Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars: A Delightfully Tangy Treat
These Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars offer a delightful balance of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries atop a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for any occasion, they are a crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to make and serve.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking pan
- foil
- whisk or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 Zest lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Zest lemon
- 2 large eggs
- 5 ounces yogurt or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups blueberries fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and prepare an 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan by lining it with foil, ensuring it overhangs the sides for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, lemon zest, and flour to create the crust mixture. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, eggs, flour, and salt until smooth. Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Pour the prepared filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and appears firm.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them.
- Refrigerate the sliced bars for at least one hour before serving to enhance their texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling. Do not overmix the filling after adding eggs to prevent cracks.
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to maintain bar texture. Lining the pan with foil or parchment paper prevents sticking and facilitates removal.
- Chill the bars for at least an hour after slicing to improve flavor and texture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth texture without lumps. Do not overmix the filling after adding eggs to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks. Use fresh ingredients when possible to maximize flavor. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them prior to use to maintain the texture of the bars. Lining the pan with foil or parchment paper prevents sticking and facilitates removal. Chill the bars for at least an hour after slicing to enhance flavor and texture.