As the sun warms our days and local fields burst with color, summertime heralds the delightful berry-picking season. Among nature’s sweetest gifts, blueberries stand out as a beloved treasure. There’s an undeniable joy in gathering these plump, juicy berries, whether from a sun-drenched farm or a local market, bringing home a bounty ready to be transformed into delectable treats. While classic blueberry pies hold a special place in our hearts, these incredible Lemon Blueberry Pie Bars offer an irresistibly easy and equally delicious way to celebrate your harvest.
Why These Lemon Blueberry Pie Bars Are a Must-Try
These lemon blueberry pie bars are a true revelation, captivating with their thin, buttery crust, a luscious blueberry and lemon filling, and a perfectly crumbly topping. They’ve quickly become a cherished family favorite, not just for their mouthwatering flavor, but also for their impressive simplicity. Imagine a dessert that delivers all the comfort and joy of a traditional blueberry pie, but in a convenient, portable bar format – that’s precisely what you get here! The delightful combination of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon creates a bright, refreshing taste that is simply irresistible.
What makes these bars truly stand out is the ingenious use of everyday ingredients to achieve extraordinary results. The crust is crafted from readily available packaged sugar cookie dough, providing a wonderfully buttery and sturdy foundation without the fuss of making dough from scratch. The filling is a creamy, tangy blend featuring lemon yogurt, which infuses the bars with an incredible depth of flavor and a delightful zest. And crowning it all is a crumbly topping, generously studded with butter and sugar, adding a textural contrast that elevates every bite. These bars are not just delicious; they are incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect dessert for any summer gathering, from a casual Fourth of July barbecue to a relaxing afternoon treat.
Top Reader Review
“I will be making 2 of these for an upcoming Church event. Thanks for such a lovely recipe.” -Maria P.
Lemon Blueberry Pie Bars: A Zesty Summer Delight
There’s something uniquely comforting about baking, and for me, whipping up a batch of these lemon blueberry pie bars is an instant mood-booster. Their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors never fails to brighten my spirits, perhaps even more so than a classic blueberry pie! Their vibrant taste and appealing presentation also make them an ideal dessert for patriotic celebrations like Labor Day and Memorial Day, or simply any occasion where you want to share a slice of sunshine.
The Secret to a Spectacular Filling
The magic of these bars lies deeply within their filling. My secret for achieving such a tantalizingly tart and zesty flavor profile is the harmonious combination of rich cream cheese and bright lemon yogurt. Specifically, I love using Chobani lemon and cream Greek yogurt. The thick, creamy consistency of Greek yogurt is absolutely perfect for this recipe, ensuring a filling that holds its shape beautifully while delivering an intense burst of flavor. This lemon and cream base not only provides a delicious foundation but also perfectly complements the vibrant lemon zest sprinkled over the top of the bars, creating an orchestra of sunny flavors. Blueberries and lemon are a match made in heaven, promising a dessert that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: A Practical Guide
While the allure of freshly picked blueberries is hard to resist, this dessert bar recipe is incredibly forgiving and works beautifully with frozen blueberries as well. This flexibility means you can enjoy these delightful bars year-round, regardless of the season. When opting for frozen berries, there’s a crucial tip to remember for optimal results: use them straight from the freezer. Do not, under any circumstances, allow them to thaw before adding them to the filling. Thawed frozen blueberries can become overly mushy and release too much liquid, which can compromise the texture and integrity of your pie bars. Keeping them frozen helps maintain their shape and prevents the filling from becoming watery. So, whether your basket is full of fresh gems or your freezer is stocked, these bars are always within reach!
Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Pillsbury sugar cookie dough (1 package)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature (1 brick)
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 5.3 ounces Chobani lemon & cream yogurt (1 container)
- 2 cups blueberries
For the Crumb Topping
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter cubed (1 stick)
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Hand Mixer
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Setup: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later. This step is crucial for a clean lift once cooled.
- Bake the Sugar Cookie Crust: Take the 16 ounces (1 package) of Pillsbury sugar cookie dough and evenly spread it into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and uniformly to create an even base across the bottom. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it looks lightly golden and set.
- Craft the Creamy Lemon Blueberry Filling: While your crust is baking, prepare the irresistible filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 8 ounces (1 brick) of room-temperature cream cheese. Use a hand mixer to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, add 1 large room-temperature egg and whisk until it’s fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the 5.3 ounces (1 container) of Chobani lemon & cream yogurt and whisk thoroughly. Gently fold in the 2 cups of blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
- Layer the Filling: Once the cookie dough crust is baked, evenly spread the prepared blueberry cream cheese mixture over the warm crust. Ensure the filling covers the entire surface for consistent bars.
- Prepare and Add the Crumb Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the juice of 1 lemon, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and ½ cup of cubed unsalted butter. Mix these ingredients together using your fingertips or a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Do not overmix; the texture should remain crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this crumb mixture over the blueberry filling. For an extra pop of flavor and aroma, scatter the zest from the lemon over the top of the crumbs.
- Final Bake and Cooling: Carefully place the baking pan back into the oven on the center rack. Bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is set. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This initial cooling helps them firm up slightly. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours. For the best possible texture and ease of slicing, I highly recommend chilling them overnight. This extended chilling time allows the filling to fully set, resulting in perfectly firm and delicious bars.
Notes for Perfect Blueberry Pie Bars
- Crumb Topping Consistency: When preparing the crumb topping, be mindful not to overmix. The goal is a crumbly, textured mixture, not a smooth dough. Once it resembles coarse crumbs, stop mixing to ensure you achieve the desired delightful crunch.
- The Art of Setting: While 4 hours of chilling is the minimum recommended time for these bars to set, for an absolutely perfect texture that slices beautifully, I strongly suggest letting them chill overnight in the refrigerator. Patience here will be rewarded with a firmer, more enjoyable bar.
- Embrace the Lemon Zest: Don’t be shy with the lemon zest! It adds a bright, aromatic punch that beautifully complements the sweetness of the blueberries and the richness of the cream cheese. A generous amount ensures the lemon flavor truly shines through.
- Customizing Your Bars: Feel free to experiment with other berries! Raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries can also create a delicious variation. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the crumb topping can add a warm, inviting spice.
- Serving Suggestion: While these bars are fantastic on their own, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially if you warm them slightly.
Storage: For optimal freshness, store your lemon blueberry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to enjoy them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Calories from Fat 198
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How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Lemon Blueberry Pie Bars
One of the many advantages of these delightful lemon blueberry pie bars is their excellent keeping qualities. Proper storage ensures you can savor their deliciousness for days, or even months! In an airtight container, these bars will stay wonderfully fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert for parties, picnics, or simply to have a sweet treat on hand throughout the week.
For longer storage, these bars are perfectly freezer-friendly. When stored in the freezer in an airtight container, they will maintain their quality for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves their flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen bar, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
While they are absolutely delicious served cold straight from the fridge, these bars also shine when warmed. Just 30 seconds or less in the microwave is usually enough to warm them through, releasing their inviting aromas and softening the filling. For an extra indulgent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a delicate drizzle of honey. This combination creates a truly unforgettable sweet treat that is perfect for any time of day!
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