Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines sweet, creamy lemon cheesecake with bursts of juicy blueberries. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to family gatherings. With a buttery lemon shortbread crust and crumbles on top, they are sure to impress both family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars ready in no time.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a treat at home. They can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the blueberries against the lemon filling make for an eye-catching dessert.
Crowd-Pleaser: With their rich taste and appealing look, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, gather your tools to streamline the process and ensure efficiency. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Baking Pan: The right size ensures even cooking throughout your bar recipe.
Electric Mixer: Makes it easier to achieve a smooth creamy filling without lumps.
Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients gently, ensuring everything is well combined.

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 for easy removal later. Set aside.

With these detailed instructions, you’re well on your way to creating delicious Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars that will delight everyone!

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 hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions for these delicious dessert bars.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

Top each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added creaminess and flavor.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve warm bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the tartness of the lemon.

Garnished with Lemon Zest

Sprinkle additional lemon zest on top just before serving to enhance the citrus aroma and flavor.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

Place a few fresh blueberries on the side for an extra burst of fruity goodness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

Include these bars on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies and cookies for a variety of flavors.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Perfecting your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your filling light and fluffy.
Choose Ripe Blueberries: Fresh, ripe blueberries will provide the best flavor; if using frozen, skip thawing.
Check for Doneness: The center should slightly jiggle when you take them out, as they will set while cooling.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement these fruity bars well.

Minted Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed with mint leaves enhances the tartness.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy texture that balances sweetness.
Lemonade Spritzer: Serve a chilled lemonade spritzer that echoes the lemony notes of the pie bars.
Chilled Tea: Iced herbal tea provides a soothing contrast to the rich flavors of the dessert.
Honey Drizzled Ricotta: A simple dish of ricotta cheese drizzled with honey offers creaminess that pairs nicely.
Cheese Platter: Add a selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast sweet and tangy flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) for the best results.
Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: If your cream cheese is cold, it won’t blend smoothly. Let ingredients like cream cheese and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make your filling dense and tough. Mix until just combined to ensure a light and creamy texture.
Skipping the Zest: The lemon zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars.
Using Thawed Frozen Blueberries: Thawing can lead to a soggy filling. If using frozen berries, add them directly from the freezer for the best texture.
Not Allowing Bars to Cool Properly: Rushing this step can result in messy cutting. Let the bars cool completely before slicing for neat pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
They will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350ºF (177ºC), place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 30 seconds or until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place bars in a non-stick pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars:

Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?

Yes! You can replace blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for different flavors.

What type of crust works best?

A lemon shortbread crust pairs beautifully with the creamy filling, but you could use a graham cracker crust too.

How do I know when my bars are done baking?

The edges should be set and slightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Are these bars suitable for special diets?

These bars contain dairy and gluten; however, you can substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream cheese to accommodate dietary needs.

Can I make these pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until serving.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different fruits or toppings. Enjoy making this sweet treat that brings joy to any dessert table!

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Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are the perfect blend of creamy lemon cheesecake and juicy blueberries, all nestled atop a buttery lemon shortbread crust. These delightful dessert bars are ideal for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy family gatherings. With their vibrant colors and rich flavors, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these bars can be served chilled or at room temperature, making them a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire. Elevate your next gathering with these irresistible Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars!

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 (for filling)
3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Zest and juice of one lemon
2 large eggs

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line an 8"x8" baking pan with foil.
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and flour for the crust until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in sugar, lemon zest, eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, and flour; mix until well combined.
Gently fold in blueberries and pour the filling over the crust.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set with a slight jiggle in the center. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American