Description
Zesty blueberry lemon bars deliver a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. California’s freshest berries and bright citrus create a refreshing dessert you’ll crave after one irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (300g) blueberries (fresh or frozen; if using frozen, do not thaw)
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 5 ounces (150g) yogurt or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 zest of one lemon
Finishing Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by combining melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation of flour until a cohesive mixture forms.
- Separate and refrigerate approximately three-quarters of the shortbread base, pressing the remaining portion evenly into a foil-lined baking pan.
- Bake the crust until edges turn golden, approximately 18 minutes, creating a sturdy base for the creamy filling.
- Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually introducing sugar and lemon zest to develop a rich, fragrant backdrop.
- Integrate eggs one at a time, maintaining a smooth consistency, then fold in yogurt, lemon juice, and a hint of salt.
- Gently incorporate flour, stirring minimally to preserve the delicate texture, then tenderly fold fresh blueberries throughout the mixture.
- Pour the velvety filling over the pre-baked crust, strategically scattering additional blueberries across the surface.
- Crumble the reserved shortbread mixture over the filling, optionally dusting with a light sprinkle of sugar for added sparkle.
- Bake until the center sets completely, approximately 55-60 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
- Allow the bars to cool thoroughly at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to achieve perfect slicing consistency.
- Remove from the pan using foil edges, slice into elegant squares, and garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
- Refrigerate remaining bars, which will maintain their exquisite flavor for up to five days, or freeze for extended enjoyment.
Notes
- Chill the bars thoroughly to achieve the perfect texture and make cutting into clean squares easier.
- Reserve some shortbread crust mixture to create a delightful crumbly topping that adds extra crunch and flavor.
- Beat cream cheese and other filling ingredients on high speed to ensure a smooth, silky consistency without lumps.
- Use fresh blueberries for the brightest flavor and gently fold them into the filling to prevent breaking.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes with a toothpick test.
- Allow bars to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the ideal texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 269
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 112 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg