If you love the bright zing of citrus paired with the juicy burst of fresh berries, you are going to adore this Lemon Blueberry Bar Blondies with Blueberry Glaze Recipe. These bars are a delicious twist on the traditional blondie, packed with fresh blueberries and infused with lively lemon flavors that sing in every bite. The creamy blueberry glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness and a glossy finish, making them as beautiful as they are irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a sunny treat to brighten your day, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a vibrant, joyful dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making these Lemon Blueberry Bar Blondies with Blueberry Glaze Recipe shine. Each component is straightforward but essential, contributing a unique flavor or texture that enhances these bars’ perfect balance of tart, sweet, and tender chew.
- 2 large eggs: Whisked to a frothy finish, they provide structure and a light texture.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a lovely, slightly crisp top.
- 1 cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture with a subtle savory note.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that awakens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Packs intense lemon aroma and flavor that makes these bars pop.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the lemon’s lively notes.
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract or 3-4 drops lemon oil: Amplifies the citrusy brightness perfectly.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the tender, chewy base of the blondies.
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures a light rise and fluffy texture.
- 1½ cups fresh blueberries: The jewel-like bursts of sweetness scattered through the bars.
- ½ cup blueberries (for glaze): The foundation of a vibrant, fruity topping.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze, balancing the tart fruit.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, luscious finish.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for glaze): Gives the glaze spreadability and a creamy texture.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bar Blondies with Blueberry Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Froth the Eggs
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 glass baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Then whisk the eggs vigorously until they become very frothy—this step is key to achieving a light, tender blondie base.
Step 2: Sweeten and Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the granulated sugar to the frothy eggs and continue whisking at high speed until the mixture thickens and turns foamy. Next, mix in the melted salted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon oil or extract. This blend of wet ingredients sets the vibrant, luscious foundation for the bars.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Then gently add this mixture to your wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here to keep the bars tender and cakey.
Step 4: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them. This step enlivens the batter with pops of fruity sweetness and a gorgeous burst of color throughout the blondies.
Step 5: Bake the Blondies
Spread your batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baked blondies will have a slight golden top with juicy blueberries peeking through.
Step 6: Make the Blueberry Glaze
While your blondies bake, prepare the glaze by heating ½ cup of blueberries with ½ cup granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly, adding a splash of water if the mixture thickens too quickly. Once you have a vibrant syrup, strain it through a sieve into a bowl with powdered sugar. Whisk well, adding heavy cream or milk a little at a time until your glaze is smooth and spreadable.
Step 7: Glaze and Cool
Spread the luscious blueberry glaze over your warm bars. Allow everything to cool completely before cutting into squares—this lets the glaze set into a shiny, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bar Blondies with Blueberry Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Top your blondies with fresh lemon zest curls or a sprinkle of extra fresh blueberries for an inviting look and extra zing. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate touch of sweetness and elegance.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream, turning a simple snack into a decadent treat. A cup of hot tea or a bright citrus-infused sparkling water also complements the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving the Lemon Blueberry Bar Blondies with Blueberry Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh lemon wedges and whole blueberries. You can even layer them in a clear glass trifle dish with whipped cream for an eye-catching dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover blondies covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent dryness and keep the glaze moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars either glazed or unglazed. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Warm individual blondie pieces in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive the gooey texture and enjoy them as if freshly baked. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Fresh blueberries are best to maintain texture and prevent excess moisture, but if you must use frozen, thaw and drain them well to reduce extra liquid before folding into the batter.
Is there a substitute for lemon extract?
If you don’t have lemon extract or oil, you can increase lemon zest slightly to boost citrus flavor, or add a tiny bit more fresh lemon juice. Vanilla extract alone will still work but won’t deliver quite the same bright punch.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. Just be aware this may slightly change the texture.
How thick should the blueberry glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to spread without running but still soft enough to pour. Adjust the heavy cream or milk to find your perfect consistency.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without the glaze smearing?
Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts will give you clean, neat squares.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking Lemon Blueberry Bar Blondies with Blueberry Glaze Recipe that brings sunshine to your kitchen and joy to your table. They are deceptively simple to make yet bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that feel like a celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the bright, luscious magic with your friends and family — these bars might just become your go-to for a delicious pick-me-up or festive treat!
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Lemon Blueberry Bar Blondies with Blueberry Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful blend of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries, baked into a moist, tender blondie base. Topped with a vibrant blueberry glaze, they make a perfect treat for any occasion, balancing fresh citrus flavors with bursts of juicy berries.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract, or 3 to 4 drops of lemon oil
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ cups fresh blueberries
Glaze
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream, or milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 glass baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside for easy removal of the bars later.
- Whisk Eggs: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whisk the eggs on high speed until they become very frothy, incorporating air for a light texture.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add 1½ cups granulated sugar while continuing to whisk at high speed until the mixture is foamy and thickened.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon oil or extract. Beat on medium speed until all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, mixing carefully to avoid crushing them and to evenly distribute throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, ensuring the bars are cooked through but moist.
- Prepare Blueberry Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup blueberries and ½ cup granulated sugar with a tablespoon of water if needed. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the blueberries break down into a vibrant syrup.
- Strain and Mix Glaze: Pass the blueberry syrup through a sieve into a bowl to remove solids. Stir in ½ cup powdered sugar and whisk until smooth, adding heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Apply Glaze: Spread the warm blueberry glaze evenly over the freshly baked bars and allow them to cool completely to set the topping.
- Serve: Once cool, cut the bars into 12 squares and serve. Enjoy the combination of zesty lemon, sweet blueberries, and a glossy glaze.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for the best texture and flavor; frozen can be substituted but may release more moisture.
- Adjust the amount of lemon zest based on your preference for citrus intensity.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- The glaze can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; warm slightly before spreading.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk in the glaze.
