Go Back
Blueberry Bars
Print Recipe

Blueberry Bars

These Blueberry Bars put a fruity spin on classic lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, velvety blueberry filling. Bright lemon zest balances the sweetness, making this an ideal make-ahead dessert for spring and summer gatherings.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Cooling Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blueberry bars, easy blueberry dessert, shortbread crust bars, summer dessert
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 185kcal
Cost: 8

Equipment

  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • parchment paper
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • saucepan
  • fine mesh sieve
  • wire cooling rack

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for filling
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour for filling
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
  • Beat together the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Add the butter and continue beating until light and creamy.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  • While the crust bakes, cook the blueberries in a saucepan over medium heat, crushing them as they soften.
  • Strain the cooked berries through a fine mesh sieve and collect about 1/2 cup of smooth blueberry juice. Discard the solids.
  • Whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Stir in the blueberry juice, lemon juice, and flour until smooth.
  • Pour the filling over the warm crust and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
  • Bake for 20–24 minutes or until the center is set.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours.
  • Refrigerate for an additional 2 hours until fully chilled and firm.
  • Slice into squares, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.

Notes

Allow the bars to cool completely for 2 hours and chill for an additional 2 hours before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Frozen blueberries work perfectly and do not need to be thawed. Bars can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 4 months.