Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
A delightful treat for any occasion, Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars combine the bright flavors of lemon and blueberries in a creamy cheesecake filling nestled on a buttery shortbread crust. These bars are not only visually appealing but also offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply a sweet craving at home, these bars will surely impress everyone with their vibrant flavors and refreshing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars without any fuss.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of creamy lemon cheesecake and fresh blueberries creates a deliciously tangy treat.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as an elegant dessert for special occasions like weddings.
- Make Ahead: These bars store well and taste even better after chilling in the fridge overnight.
- Beautiful Presentation: Their attractive layers make them not just tasty but also stunning to serve.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and ensures great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (8 x 8 or 9 x 9)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A sturdy baking pan ensures even baking and easy removal of the bars with foil overhang.
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth cream cheese filling quickly without lumps.
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 the Blueberry Layer
- 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 for easy lifting. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest.
- Gradually add flour while mixing until combined.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Add granulated sugar, lemon zest, eggs, yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and flour. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Step 6: Combine Blueberries with Filling
Gently fold in fresh or frozen blueberries into the filling mixture.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the blueberry filling over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until set in the center.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours before slicing into bars. Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars!
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them on a quiet afternoon, here are some creative suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Whipped Cream
- Serve each bar topped with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for added creaminess and sweetness.
Fresh Berries
- Add a side of fresh blueberries or mixed berries to complement the flavors and provide a burst of freshness.
Ice Cream
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a refreshing dessert that balances the richness of the bars.
Lemon Zest Garnish
- Sprinkle additional lemon zest on top before serving for an extra zing and beautiful presentation.
Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these pie bars with your favorite cup of coffee or herbal tea, which enhances the dessert’s citrus notes.
Festive Platter
- Arrange the bars on a decorative platter with vibrant fruits and mint leaves for an eye-catching presentation at parties.
How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
To make sure your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Fresh blueberries preferred: While frozen blueberries work, fresh ones offer better texture and flavor in this recipe.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain the light and creamy texture of the filling.
- Let them cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing; this ensures cleaner cuts and better structure.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate for several hours or overnight for an even firmer texture that’s easier to slice.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add herbs like basil or mint to the blueberry layer for unique flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced by pairing them with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and honey for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
- Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and highlights the zesty notes of the bars.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness effectively.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses such as brie or goat cheese alongside crackers for savory contrast.
- Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy nut granola on the side for added texture and flavor complexity.
- Minted Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in mint vinaigrette offers refreshment alongside the rich dessert.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet honey-glazed carrots bring warmth and color to your dessert table.
- Herbed Couscous: A light herbed couscous dish provides a subtle, savory balance against sweet pie bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and yogurt are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth filling.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light cheesecake.
- Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven fully before baking. This ensures even cooking and proper rising of the bars.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Cutting too soon can cause them to fall apart.
- Skipping the lemon zest: The zest adds essential flavor. Don’t omit it, as it enhances both the crust and filling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Freezing Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF (177ºC) and reheat bars for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each bar on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are dessert bars featuring a creamy lemon cheesecake filling filled with fresh blueberries, all on a buttery lemon shortbread crust.
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen blueberries without thawing them first. Just add them directly into the batter.
How do I know when my Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. They will firm up as they cool.
What can I serve with Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Final Thoughts
These Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that everyone will love. Their creamy texture and refreshing taste make them ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste!
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, where zesty lemon and juicy blueberries come together in a creamy cheesecake filling atop a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars offer a harmonious balance of sweetness and tartness. With their stunning presentation and vibrant flavors, they are sure to impress at any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these treats can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled for an incredibly refreshing dessert experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 3 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of two lemons
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and prepare an 8" x 8" baking pan by lining it with foil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest. Gradually incorporate flour until mixed; press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden; let cool.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, lemon zest, eggs, yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and flour. Mix until creamy.
- Fold in blueberries gently. Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set in the center; allow to cool before refrigerating for at least two hours before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
