A delightful treat that combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars offer a creamy cheesecake filling on a buttery shortbread crust. They’re easy to make and sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberries creates a refreshing taste that is hard to resist.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for picnics, parties, or just a treat at home, these bars fit any event.
Beautiful Presentation: The colorful blueberries against the creamy lemon filling make for an eye-catching dessert.
Make Ahead Option: These bars can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy them at your convenience.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking pan (8×8 or 9×9)
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Baking pan: Essential for shaping your bars. A lined pan also helps with easy removal.
Electric mixer: Makes combining the cream cheese and sugar effortless for a smooth filling.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are mixed evenly.

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

For Topping

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

Preheat your oven by positioning a rack in the center. Set it to 350ºF (177ºC).

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line an 8″ x 8″ or 9″ x 9″ baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will help you lift out the bars easily once they are baked.

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest.
Gradually add all-purpose flour until well combined.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
Add granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Mix in lemon zest, eggs one at a time, yogurt or sour cream, fresh lemon juice, salt, and flour until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Blueberries

Gently fold in fresh or frozen blueberries into the filling mixture.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the blueberry filling over the crust in the baking pan. Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until set and golden on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars to cool completely before lifting them out using the foil overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Serving Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars can elevate any gathering or dessert table. These bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for a variety of occasions.

Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream

A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the tartness of the blueberries and lemon.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Garnish with Mint Leaves

Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness.

Drizzle with Lemon Glaze

A simple lemon glaze can enhance the lemon flavor, making each bite even more zesty and delicious.

Enjoy with a Cup of Tea

Pairing these bars with a warm cup of tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat, perfect for relaxing moments.

Create a Dessert Platter

Include other desserts alongside your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars for an impressive dessert spread at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

To ensure your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Stir just until combined.
Choose Fresh Blueberries: If possible, opt for fresh blueberries for better flavor and texture; frozen will work too!
Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to maintain their shape.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the bars for a few hours enhances their taste and makes them firmer.
Adjust Sugar Levels: Depending on your preference for sweetness, you can adjust the sugar in both the crust and filling.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

These delicious Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars pair well with several delightful side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses provides savory notes that contrast beautifully with the sweet bars.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats offer a different texture while harmonizing with the citrusy notes.
Lemon Sorbet: The lightness and tartness of sorbet enhance the lemon flavor in your pie bars.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: The rich chocolate creates an indulgent pairing that guests will love.
Pecan Pralines: Their crunchy texture and nutty flavor add an interesting contrast to soft pie bars.
Almond Biscotti: This crunchy treat is perfect for dipping alongside your sweet dessert.
Herbed Goat Cheese Spread: This tangy spread offers a unique accompaniment, balancing flavors nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Skipping the Zest: Not adding lemon zest reduces the flavor intensity. Always include zest for a vibrant taste.
Overmixing the Batter: This can make the filling dense. Mix just until combined for a light and creamy texture.
Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Not Cooling Properly: Cutting into warm bars can result in messy pieces. Allow them to cool completely for clean cuts.
Using Frozen Blueberries Incorrectly: Thawing frozen blueberries can make your filling watery. Use them straight from the freezer for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container.
They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350ºF (177ºC) and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Warm individual bars for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars.

Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?

Yes, you can substitute with raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile while keeping the same texture.

How do I know when my pie bars are done baking?

The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the center may still have a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I make Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What is the best way to cut these pie bars?

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices. Cooling them fully helps keep them from crumbling.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or using different fruits based on your preference. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as an everyday treat, they are sure to bring joy!

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Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, a perfect fusion of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries. These bars feature a luscious cheesecake filling nestled atop a buttery lemon shortbread crust, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or need a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings, these easy-to-make bars will impress with their vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. With the option to prepare them in advance, you can serve them fresh at your convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

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
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)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line an 8"x8" or 9"x9" baking pan with foil.
Combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, lemon zest, and flour in a bowl; press into the prepared pan for the crust.
Beat softened cream cheese in another bowl until smooth; add sugar, lemon zest, eggs one at a time, yogurt or sour cream, fresh lemon juice, salt, and flour until blended.
Gently fold in blueberries and pour over the crust.
Bake for about 60 minutes or until set and golden on top; cool completely before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American