Description
Delight in these Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, creamy lemon-infused filling, and a generous amount of juicy blueberries. Perfectly baked to create a tangy yet sweet treat, these bars offer a refreshing dessert option that balances richness with fruitiness, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
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 (do not thaw if frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350ºF (177ºC).
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8″ x 8″ or 9″ x 9″ baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and set aside.
- Make Shortbread Crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest. Stir in the flour until just combined. Reserve ¾ cup of this mixture by placing it in the refrigerator or freezer for topping later. Press the remaining crust evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 18 minutes while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare Filling: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on high until smooth. Add sugar and lemon zest, beating until smooth. Incorporate the eggs one at a time until fully mixed. Add yogurt, lemon juice, and salt, then beat again. Finally, add flour and mix until just combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries with a large spatula to retain their shape.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the filling over the hot crust and sprinkle a few blueberries on top. Remove the reserved crust from the refrigerator/freezer and crumble it evenly over the filling. Optionally, sprinkle extra granulated or coarse sugar on top for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake Bars: Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature on a wire rack completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang and cut into 16 squares. Optionally, garnish with fresh lemon zest before serving.
- Storage: Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before folding into the filling to prevent excess moisture.
- Press the crust evenly for uniform baking and texture.
- For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the filling or topping.
- Baking times may vary; check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
- Chilling the bars before cutting helps maintain clean slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American