A Delightful Treat: Sweet Blueberry Lemon Bars Recipe
Are you in the mood for a little slice of heaven? Something sweet, slightly tart, and utterly delicious? Look no further! Today, I’m excited to share with you an easy-to-follow recipe for Sweet Blueberry Lemon Bars. These little treasures are the perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet, juicy blueberries, nestled on a buttery, crumbly base. It’s a treat that promises to delight your taste buds and add a splash of color to your dessert table. So, let’s get baking!
Ingredients Needed:
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients. For these delightful bars, you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
For the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (you can use frozen if fresh aren’t available, just make sure they’re thawed and drained)
Let’s not forget, you’ll also need a 9”x 13” baking dish, some parchment paper, and a little confectioner’s sugar for dusting the bars once they’re done.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Preparing the Crust:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and align your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. In a large bowl, mix together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish, creating a nice, even base. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Then, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Making the Filling:
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup of sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
3. Assembling and Baking:
Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle when the pan is shaken gently.
4. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. This will take a couple of hours but trust me, it’s worth the wait. After they’ve cooled down, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into your desired size and shapes, then dust with confectioner’s sugar for a pretty finish.
Additional Tips:
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Lemon Zest: Don’t skip the zest! It adds an incredible burst of flavor and complements the blueberries beautifully.
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Slicing: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it off between each slice.
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Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for a longer-lasting treat.
Final Thoughts:
These Sweet Blueberry Lemon Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that marries the tang of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries in a dance of flavors that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a treat to share with friends and family or simply indulging in a moment of sweetness for yourself, these bars are sure to hit the spot.
Happy baking and enjoy your deliciously tangy and sweet blueberry lemon bars!