Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars with a Crumble Top
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever had one of those days where you just need a ray of sunshine? These lemon blueberry bliss bars are your answer.
Honestly, they're like a hug in dessert form, bursting with tangy lemon and sweet blueberry goodness.
Brief Overview
These bars are inspired by classic American Blueberry Recipes with a touch of British charm. They are medium difficulty, taking about an hour and 45 minutes, including chilling time.
This blueberry lemon bars recipe yields 16 squares perfect for sharing, or not.
Main Benefits
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants. They're the perfect Lemon Dessert Recipes for a summer picnic. What makes these bars so special is the combination of the zesty lemon blueberry flavor and the satisfying Blueberry Bread like crumble.
Craving Something Sweet?
Are you ready for a lemon blueberry treat? It's time to whip up a batch of these utterly delicious Lemon blueberry crumble bars .
I tried many Blueberry Desserts recipes, But this one really hit the sweet spot.
Easy baking
These easy homemade recipes are simple enough for a newbie baker. Think of these lemon blueberry squares as the ultimate Lemon blueberry dessert .
Trust me, once you try this lemon blueberry bake , you'll be hooked!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Bake Some Magic!
Alright, let's dive into what you need for these amazing Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds! Honestly, even if you're new to baking, this is totally doable.
Just follow along, and you'll be golden.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here's what you'll need to whip up these lemon blueberry beauties, split into stages for easy peasy action:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, plus extra
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks or 170g) unsalted butter, ice cold , cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Quality indicator : Cold butter is key. It makes the crust nice and flaky.
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 4 cups (approx. 400g) fresh blueberries , rinsed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup (64g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) rolled oats (not the instant kind!)
- ⅓ cup (67g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, ice cold , cubed
Seasoning Notes: A Little Spice is Nice
The combination of lemon and blueberries is already a winner. But, a little zest goes a long way. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
Trust me! If you're out of lemon, a little bit of orange zest can add a similar bright note.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You really don't need fancy gadgets for this lemon blueberry bake. Just these basics:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry blender (or just use your fingers!)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Lemon zester
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
If you don't have a pastry blender, just use two forks or your clean fingertips to cut the butter into the flour.
Honestly, I've even used a butter knife in a pinch! Now, let's get baking these lemon blueberry crumble bars .
Cooking Method: Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars
These Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars are seriously divine. They're a burst of sunshine in every bite. I used to hate baking but easy homemade recipes like this got me hooked.
You know what? I'm now a baking fiend!
Prep Steps
- Essential mise en place: Get all your ingredients prepped. Chop that cold butter!
- Time saving organization tips: Measure everything beforehand. Seriously, it cuts down on stress.
- Safety reminders: Don't burn yourself! Ovens are hot. Honestly, it's happened to me more than once.
step-by-step Process
- Crust time: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter till crumbly. Mix in egg yolk and lemon zest.
- Chill out: Press that dough into your pan. Prick it with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes .
- Bake partially: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15- 20 mins. Let it cool a tad.
- Blueberry magic: Toss blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Makes your mouth water!
- Crumble time: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter till crumbly.
- Assemble: Spread the blueberry filling. Top with that yummy crumble.
- Bake again: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 35- 40 minutes , till golden and bubbly. Visual cue: golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool completely: Cool fully. Then, cut into bars.
Pro Tips
- Keep the butter cold! Seriously, that's the secret to a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix! Overmixing makes a tough crust. Avoid over kneading.
- Avoid mistakes and bake ahead: The crust can be made a day ahead. Chill it overnight. Blueberry recipes and lemon dessert recipes are so good!
This lemon blueberry bake is something special. I love making these lemon blueberry crumble bars . Give this blueberry lemon bars recipe a shot! It's like a lemon blueberry dessert but better.
I always get a ton of compliments when I make these lemon blueberry squares . And you know what? They're so good for a dessert or a quick snack.
The great thing is you can replace the filling and make different kinds of blueberry desserts or easy homemade recipes.
My personal favorite is still this lemon blueberry. I was reading recently some interesting stats about blueberries but I can't seem to recall it now.
Oh well!
Recipe Notes
So, you're about to bake these Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars , awesome! Before you jump in, let's chat about a few things I've learned along the way.
Honestly, these are my favorite lemon dessert recipes right now. It all started when I was craving blueberry desserts , particularly something with that tangy lemon blueberry flavor.
Serving Suggestions that Pop
Want to make these bars look like they came straight out of a magazine? I love to slice them into neat lemon blueberry squares and arrange them artfully on a plate.
Think about a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Or even better, a dollop of whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream works too.
They pair perfectly with a glass of iced tea. Or a fizzy lemonade. They're the perfect treat for a summer Blueberry Recipes party.
Ace Storage Tips
Alright, listen up. If you happen to have any of these lemon blueberry crumble bars leftover (highly unlikely, but you never know!), you gotta store them right.
For short term storage, just pop them in an airtight container. They'll happily sit in the fridge for about 3 days.
Want to keep them longer? Freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. Then, store them in a freezer bag.
They’ll last for up to 2 months. Reheating is easy. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Variations Mix it Up!
Feeling adventurous? Let's talk variations. For a gluten-free version, swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. It works like a charm.
Want to try something different? Consider swapping out some of the blueberries for raspberries. Raspberry Lemon Blueberry is amazing. Trust me! This Lemon blueberry bake variation is very easy to make.
Nutrition Basics - Simplified!
Okay, let's break it down. Each bar is roughly 250 calories. You're looking at about 3g of protein, 14g of fat, and 30g of carbs.
There's about 2g of fiber. This Blueberry lemon bars recipe is tasty and provides some key nutrients.
These are pretty easy homemade recipes , and it doesn't take too long! I hope these tips help you create the perfect lemon blueberry dessert .
Enjoy baking and eating your delicious creations! Good luck
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries for these Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars?
You can indeed! If using frozen blueberries, don't thaw them beforehand. Just toss them with the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice while still frozen. You might need to bake the bars a little longer (5-10 minutes) to ensure the filling is set because the frozen blueberries will release more moisture as they bake, a bit like a soggy bottom on "Bake Off" nobody wants that!
My crust is too crumbly and won't come together. Help!
Ah, the dreaded crumbly crust! This usually means there isn't enough moisture. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or you'll end up with a tough crust, and we're aiming for shortbread deliciousness, not a brick!
How do I store these lemon blueberry bars and how long will they last?
These Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but the crumble topping might lose some of its crispness.
You can also freeze the baked bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them individually or in a freezer safe container.
I'm not a fan of oats. Can I leave them out of the crumble topping?
Absolutely! If you're not keen on oats, simply replace them with an equal amount of all-purpose flour in the crumble topping. This will still give you a lovely, crumbly texture, just without the oaty flavor. Think of it as your own personal "Bake Off" technical challenge where you get to pick the ingredients!
Can I make these Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly get ahead of the game! The shortbread crust can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly. You can also assemble the entire bars (crust, filling, and crumble) and keep them in the fridge unbaked, ready to pop in the oven when you're ready for that sweet, summery lemon blueberry flavour!
Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Are these Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars healthy? What's the nutritional information?
Let's be honest, these are definitely a treat, rather than a health food! Each bar is roughly 250 calories, with around 14g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Remember that fresh blueberries are bursting with antioxidants, which is always a plus, so it is like a drop in the ocean in terms of overall health.
Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars With A Crumble Top
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
