If you’re craving something bright, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, these lemon blueberry dessert bars are pure sunshine in dessert form. They have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust, a silky lemon filling that’s tangy and fresh, and juicy blueberries scattered throughout that burst as they bake. Every bite feels light and refreshing, yet still comforting in that classic, home-baked way.
These are the kind of bars that feel perfect for spring and summer—baby showers, brunches, picnics, or anytime lemons and berries start calling your name. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, they look beautiful without needing anything fancy. Simple, cheerful, and totally shareable, these bars are always a hit wherever they show up.
Tips for Perfect Results
A few small details will help your lemon blueberry bars turn out bakery-worthy every time.
- Don’t overwork the crust. When cutting the butter into the dry ingredients, stop once the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This keeps the crust tender, not tough.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly. Using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup helps create a solid base that slices cleanly.
- Bake the crust until lightly golden. That bit of color adds flavor and keeps the crust from getting soggy once the filling is added.
- Pour the filling over a hot crust. This helps the layers bond together beautifully.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled juice just doesn’t give the same bright, fresh flavor.
- Let them cool completely. The bars need time to set before slicing—this is key for clean edges.
Before You Begin – Here’s What You’ll Need :
Variations and Serving Ideas
These bars are lovely as written, but they’re also easy to customize.
- Extra lemony: Add a little more lemon zest to the filling for an extra pop of citrus.
- Berry swap: Try raspberries or blackberries in place of blueberries.
- Creamier texture: Use cream instead of half-and-half for a slightly richer filling.
- Brunch-ready: Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream on the side.
- Elegant finish: Add a thin lemon glaze instead of powdered sugar for a polished look.
They’re perfect served chilled, but just as good at room temperature with a cup of coffee or iced tea.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These bars are just as practical as they are delicious.
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make ahead: These bars are great made the day before serving—the flavors settle and the texture improves.
- Slicing tip: Chill well, then wipe your knife between cuts for neat, bakery-style squares.
- Transporting: The foil lining makes it easy to lift the bars out and transport them whole.
Lemon Blueberry Dessert Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 36 bars 1x
Ingredients
CRUST :
2 cups all purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter, cut into smaller pieces
FILLING :
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
¼ cup half and half or cream
powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil with nonstick spray.
PREPARE THE CRUST:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch and salt. Use a pastry blender to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are light brown.
PREPARE THE FILLING:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice and half/half or cream. Pour the filling over the hot crust. Sprinkle the blueberries on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center is set. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the edges of the foil to lift the uncut bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board; cut into bars. Just before serving, sift powdered sugar over the tops of the bars. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Final Encouragement
Lemon blueberry dessert bars are one of those recipes that feel timeless. They’re bright, buttery, and comforting all at once—exactly the kind of dessert that makes people linger for “just one more piece.” Whether you’re baking for a gathering or simply want something fresh and cheerful to keep in the fridge, these bars deliver every time.
If you love desserts that feel light, beautiful, and homemade in the best way, this is one to save, share, and bake again and again 🍋🫐💛