If you love the bright, fresh flavors of summer desserts, you are going to adore these Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars. This delightful treat combines juicy blueberries with a zesty lemon punch, all nestled within a buttery shortbread crust and a creamy, tangy filling. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or an everyday indulgence, these bars are easy to make yet impressively delicious, making them a beloved addition to any dessert lineup.

Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create incredible layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a pivotal role, from the buttery crust that offers a flaky base, to the tangy cream cheese filling, and the vibrant blueberries that burst with sweetness.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Provides the rich, buttery base essential for the shortbread crust’s tender texture.
Granulated sugar (½ cup + 1 cup): Balances the tartness of the lemon and blueberries with just the right amount of sweetness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, complementary note to the crust’s flavor.
Salt (½ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Lemon zest (from 2 lemons): Infuses the bars with a fresh, bright citrus aroma and flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups total): Gives structure to both the crust and the filling, ensuring a perfect bite.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Lends a tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
Eggs (2 large): Help bind the filling and add richness.
Yogurt or sour cream (5 ounces): Adds moisture and a slight tang to the filling for a luscious texture.
Fresh lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Elevates the citrus flavor and brightens the filling.
Blueberries (3 cups, fresh or frozen): The star fruit ingredient, bursting with natural sweetness and gorgeous color.

How to Make Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by positioning a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 350ºF (177ºC). Next, line an 8″ x 8″ or 9″ x 9″ baking pan with foil, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This foil will make lifting the bars out after baking a breeze and help with clean slicing later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, combine your melted butter, half a cup of sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and the zest of one lemon. Stir to blend all the flavors beautifully. Then add in 2 cups of flour and mix until just combined to form a crumbly dough. Reserve about ¾ cup of this dough by chilling it in the fridge or freezer while you bake the rest of the crust pressed evenly into your pan for about 18 minutes. This crust will set a tender, buttery foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Lemon Filling

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Incorporate the remaining cup of sugar and the zest of the second lemon for a burst of citrus brightness. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then mix in the yogurt or sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and salt. Finally, fold in the last ½ cup of flour just until combined. This creamy filling is the heart of the Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars—the perfect balance between rich and refreshing.

Step 4: Add Blueberries and Assemble

Gently fold the blueberries into the filling, being careful to keep some whole for beautiful pockets of fruit throughout. Pour this luscious mixture over the baked crust, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved shortbread crumbs over the top, and if you’d like, a light dusting of coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch. This layering creates that signature marbled, textured top that makes these bars irresistible.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

Bake your bars for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, then pop them into the fridge for at least an hour to chill and firm up. Once cold, use the foil overhang to lift the whole block from the pan, then slice into squares and optionally sprinkle with a bit of fresh lemon zest for a final zing.

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

Garnishes

These Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are stunning on their own, but adding a few fresh blueberries or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar can take the presentation to the next level. A small dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of mint would also add a lovely touch of elegance and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing cup of hot tea for a perfectly balanced dessert experience. Their bright lemon notes and sweet berries make them an excellent match for light, fruity accompaniments like a mixed berry salad or citrus sorbet.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with sprigs of mint and edible flowers for a beautiful display. You can also stack them in a decorative box lined with parchment paper for a delightful gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars tightly and store them in the refrigerator. They keep wonderfully for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy their bright flavors throughout the week without losing any freshness or texture.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just wrap them securely in plastic wrap and a layer of foil before freezing. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for a perfectly preserved treat.

Reheating

While these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer them warm, gently warm an individual slice in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the filling slightly and revives the buttery aromas without compromising their texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries in Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?

Yes! Frozen blueberries can be used without thawing, which helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery. Just gently fold them in straight from the freezer for best results.

What’s the difference between using yogurt and sour cream here?

Both yogurt and sour cream add moisture and a touch of tanginess to the filling. Yogurt typically offers a lighter texture, while sour cream provides a richer, creamier consistency. Choose based on your taste preference.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best structure.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bars are ready. The top should be set and lightly golden without any jiggle in the filling.

Can these bars be made ahead for events?

Absolutely! Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are excellent made a day or two in advance. Chilling them well before serving helps the flavors meld and makes cutting neat squares easier.

Final Thoughts

I truly cannot recommend these Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars enough for your next baking adventure. They are bursting with sunshiney lemon zest and packed with juicy blueberry goodness, all wrapped up in a buttery, tender crust. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these bars will quickly become a treasured recipe you return to again and again. So grab those ingredients and make a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!