A delicious dessert to impress your guests, Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars combine a creamy lemon cheesecake filling with fresh blueberries on a crumbly lemon shortbread crust. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, these bars are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The balance of tart lemon and sweet blueberries makes them irresistible!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Crust
- For the Filling
- How to Make Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
- How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream
- Topped with Lemon Zest
- Garnished with Mint Leaves
- Served with a Cup of Tea
- How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Reheating Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when my Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are done?
- Can I use frozen blueberries for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
- What is the best way to cut my Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
- Can I customize my Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful bars.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, picnics, or just a cozy night in, they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy lemon and juicy blueberries offers a refreshing taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal choice for busy schedules.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors make this dessert visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8 x 8 (or 9 x 9) baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper or foil
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Pan: A good-quality pan ensures even cooking and easy removal of your pie bars.
- Electric Mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture without lumps, which is crucial for the filling’s texture.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients gently, ensuring you don’t deflate your batter.
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 Your Baking Pan
Line an 8″ x 8″ (or 9 x 9) baking pan with foil. Leave an overhang on the sides. Set aside.
Follow these steps to create your delicious Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars! Enjoy each bite as it bursts with flavor.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, these bars can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the tartness of the blueberries.
Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast between warm and cold, enhancing the dessert experience.
Topped with Lemon Zest
- A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top provides an extra citrus kick, making each bite even more refreshing.
Garnished with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also bring a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the lemon flavor.
Served with a Cup of Tea
- Pair your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars with a cup of herbal or green tea for a soothing afternoon treat that balances sweetness with warmth.
How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
To achieve the best results with your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, follow these simple tips. They will help you create a dessert that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother filling.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the light texture of the cheesecake filling. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
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Choose Quality Blueberries: Fresh blueberries offer the best flavor; however, if using frozen, make sure they are not thawed to prevent excess moisture in your bars.
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Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allowing your bars to cool completely ensures clean cuts and helps them hold their shape when served.
Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are versatile enough to pair well with several side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.
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Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet enhances the lemon flavor while offering a cool contrast to the warm pie bars.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the dessert.
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Greek Yogurt: The tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt provides a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the bars; consider drizzling honey on top for added flavor.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly mild ones like brie or goat cheese, pairs beautifully with sweet desserts like these bars.
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Pecan Crumble: A crunchy pecan crumble sprinkled on top offers texture and adds nutty flavors that complement the blueberries nicely.
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Herbal Tea: Pairing with herbal tea creates an elegant touch, enhancing the overall dining experience by providing warmth and balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars can be a delightful experience. However, there are some common mistakes that can hinder your results.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh blueberries and quality butter make a big difference in flavor. Always choose the best ingredients for the best outcome.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a creamy texture.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting. This ensures cleaner cuts and better texture.
- Ignoring the measurements: Accurate measurement is crucial when baking. Use a kitchen scale for precision to achieve perfect bars.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. An inaccurate oven temperature can affect baking times and results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Freezing Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Container: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF (177ºC) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars.
How do I know when my Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are done?
You can tell they are done when the edges are slightly golden, and the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
Can I use frozen blueberries for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries without thawing them first. They work perfectly in this recipe!
What is the best way to cut my Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices. Let them chill completely before cutting.
Can I customize my Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
Absolutely! You can add different fruits or even nuts to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
These Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent dessert for gatherings or a sweet treat any day of the week. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, a dessert that beautifully marries the tartness of fresh blueberries with a creamy lemon cheesecake filling, all resting on a buttery lemon shortbread crust. These bars are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a sweet moment at home. With their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and versatile for various occasions, these delicious bars can be prepared in advance, making them an essential addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line an 8" x 8" baking pan with foil.
- For the crust: Combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, lemon zest, and flour in a bowl. Press into the prepared pan.
- For the filling: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in lemon zest, eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and flour until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
