Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply want a delicious dessert to enjoy at home, these bars will impress your guests. The creamy lemon filling is bursting with juicy blueberries, all sitting atop a buttery lemon shortbread crust. In just a few simple steps, you can create this delightful dessert that’s sure to be a hit!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile Dessert: These bars are ideal for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge, making them great for busy schedules.
Creamy Texture: The cheesecake-like filling adds a rich creaminess that complements the crisp crust perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars turn out flawlessly, gather these essential tools and equipment.

Essential Tools and Equipment

8″ x 8″ (or 9 x 9) baking pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Baking Pan: A sturdy pan ensures even cooking and makes it easy to lift out the bars after baking.
Mixing Bowls: Having various sizes allows you to mix ingredients without overflow or mess.
Electric Mixer: This tool saves time when mixing the cream cheese filling, ensuring a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

A sweet and creamy lemon cheesecake filling bursting with blueberries sits atop a lemon shortbread crust with lemon shortbread crumbles on top.

For the Crust

1 cup (227g) unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
the zest of one lemon
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

For the Filling

8 ounces (225g) cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
zest of one lemon
2 large eggs
5 ounces (150g) yogurt or sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
3 cups (300g) blueberries (fresh or frozen; if using frozen, do not thaw)

How to Make Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Position a rack in the center position of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC).

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line an 8″ x 8″ (or 9 x 9) baking pan with foil. Leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Set aside.

With these steps complete, you’re ready to move forward with creating your delicious Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars!

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavors. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a more formal event, these bars can easily impress your guests.

With Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the tartness of the bars, adding a creamy texture that balances the flavors.

Fresh Berries

Serve with a side of fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries for an extra burst of fruitiness and color.

Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a rich, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the lemony sweetness.

Lemon Zest Garnish

Top each bar with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest to amplify their citrus flavor and add visual appeal.

Mint Leaves

Adding a sprig of mint not only elevates presentation but also provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and tangy pie bars.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

Serve alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea for an enjoyable contrast that enhances the dessert experience.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

To make your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars truly outstanding, follow these helpful tips for perfecting every aspect of the recipe.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
Choose Ripe Blueberries: Opt for fresh, ripe blueberries for the best flavor. If using frozen, they should remain unthawed to prevent excess moisture.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix your filling just until combined to maintain a light and airy texture.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before slicing; this helps them set up properly.
Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerating the bars for several hours enhances their taste and makes them easier to cut.
Experiment with Citrus Zest: Try adding zest from other citrus fruits like lime or orange for additional flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

When enjoying Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, consider pairing them with these delicious side dishes that complement their flavors perfectly.

Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing frozen treat that echoes the citrus notes in the pie bars.
Pineapple Salad: A light salad with chunks of pineapple and mint offers a sweet and tangy contrast.
Coconut Rice Pudding: Creamy rice pudding with coconut milk provides a smooth texture and subtle sweetness.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette adds freshness without overpowering the dessert.
Fruit Kabobs: Colorful skewers of assorted fruits add fun presentation and vibrant flavors next to your pie bars.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well, balancing sweetness with savory elements.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages that enhance the overall lemon theme while keeping things cool on warm days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can make or break your dessert. Here are common mistakes to watch for.

Ignoring ingredient temperature: Always ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps create a smooth filling. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your mixture.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the bars dense, rather than light and fluffy.
Using the wrong type of blueberries: Fresh blueberries are preferable for this recipe, but if you use frozen, do not thaw them beforehand. This helps maintain their shape and texture.
Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for the best results with your ingredients.
Skipping the cooling time: Allow your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars to cool completely before cutting. This prevents them from falling apart and ensures clean slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Make sure they are cooled completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C), place bars on a baking tray, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual bars on high for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Gently warm bars in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?

Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are delicious dessert squares featuring creamy lemon cheesecake topped with fresh blueberries and a buttery shortbread crust. They combine sweet and tart flavors in every bite.

Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?

Yes! You can substitute blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same deliciousness.

How do I know when my Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are done?

The bars should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these pie bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars offer a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness that will delight anyone who tries them. Their versatility allows for customization; feel free to experiment with different fruits or even add herbs like basil for an extra twist. Give this recipe a try, and bring joy to your dessert table!

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Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, where sweet and tart flavors unite in a creamy cheesecake filling. This easy-to-make dessert features a buttery lemon shortbread crust topped with juicy blueberries, making it perfect for any occasion—from summer barbecues to birthday celebrations. With just a few straightforward steps, you can impress your guests with these refreshing dessert squares that are as enjoyable to make as they are to savor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare an 8” x 8” baking pan by lining it with foil.
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and flour to form the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
For the filling, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and flour until combined.
Gently fold in blueberries and pour the filling over the crust.
Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Allow cooling completely before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American