Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful combination of tart lemon, sweet blueberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust. With their creamy texture and vibrant flavors, these bars are perfect for summer gatherings, afternoon treats, or anytime you crave a refreshing dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet: The fresh lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk create a luscious filling.
- Crunchy and Buttery Crust: Made with graham cracker crumbs and butter for a sturdy yet delicate base.
- Burst of Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Great for Any Occasion: A perfect dessert for brunch, picnics, or parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups)
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons), melted
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon)
For the Filling:
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces)
- Fresh lemon juice (½ cup, about 3 lemons)
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons)
- Egg yolks (2)
- Fresh blueberries (6 ounces)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the lemon-blueberry mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Step 4: Serve
- Once fully chilled, slice into 9 squares.
- Serve as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Berry Mix: Swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
- Extra Creamy: Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the filling for a richer texture.
- Coconut Twist: Mix ¼ cup shredded coconut into the crust for a tropical flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the bars before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture.
Do I need to use salted butter?
You can use unsalted butter, but add a pinch of salt for balance.
Why is my filling too runny?
Ensure the bars chill for at least 2 hours before slicing. The filling will firm up as it cools.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until serving.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat squares.
Can I make this in a larger pan?
Yes, but double the ingredients for a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time.
Is sweetened condensed milk necessary?
Yes, it thickens the filling and provides sweetness. There’s no direct substitute.
Can I add a meringue topping?
Yes! Pipe meringue on top after baking and broil for a golden finish.
What pairs well with these bars?
Enjoy them with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of tea.
Can I use Meyer lemons?
Absolutely! Meyer lemons add a slightly sweeter, floral citrus flavor.
Conclusion
These Lemon Blueberry Bars are the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy with a crisp, buttery crust. Whether served for dessert, brunch, or a summer treat, they are an easy and refreshing option that everyone will love. Try them today and enjoy a burst of citrus and berry goodness!
Print
Lemon Blueberry Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Blueberry Bars are sweet, tart, buttery, and crumbly—the perfect combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries! Made with a graham cracker crust and a creamy lemon filling, these bars are an easy and refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp salted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 egg yolks
For the Topping:
- 6 oz fresh blueberries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
- In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle fresh blueberries over the top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
- Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a firmer crust, press the graham cracker mixture firmly before baking.
- Use fresh blueberries for the best texture and flavor.
- Chill before slicing to get clean, even bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American