Tangy Blueberry Lemon Bars Recipe

Zesty Blueberry Lemon Delight Bars with Gingersnap Base Recipe

Sweet summer vibes dance through these blueberry lemon delight bars with gingersnap base, offering a burst of tangy brightness.

Crisp gingersnap cookies create a robust foundation for the luscious blueberry and zesty lemon filling.

Layers of smooth, creamy texture mingle with sharp citrus notes and sweet berry essence.

Each bite delivers a delightful balance of spicy cookie crunch and silky fruit filling.

The recipe celebrates simple ingredients transformed into an elegant dessert that surprises and delights.

Whip up these bars for a refreshing treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 263 kcal

Servings: 10

What’s in Blueberry Lemon Gingersnap Bars

For Crust Base:
  • Gingersnap Cookies: Spicy-sweet foundation that adds crunch and warmth to the dessert, choose crisp cookies with robust ginger flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides caramel-like depth and helps bind the crust, select dark and moist variety for richer taste.
  • Ground Ginger: Intensifies the warming spice profile, opt for fresh ground ginger for maximum aromatic punch.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates cohesive texture and rich golden color, use high-quality butter at room temperature.
For Blueberry Filling:
  • Fresh Blueberries: Vibrant fruit that adds natural sweetness and gorgeous color, select plump and deep blue berries.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances fruit's tartness and helps create syrupy consistency, choose fine-grain sugar for smooth dissolution.
  • Water: Helps create sauce-like texture and prevents burning, use filtered water for clean taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces subtle depth and rounds out fruity flavors, select pure vanilla for best results.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, use fine-grain sea salt for even distribution.
For Lemon Filling:
  • Eggs: Provides structure and silky smoothness, choose large fresh eggs at room temperature.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the filling, select fine-grain sugar for seamless integration.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Delivers bright, tangy flavor, use freshly squeezed lemons for maximum zestiness.
  • Lemon Zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and concentrated flavor, choose organic lemons and zest carefully.

Tools to Build Lemon Blueberry Bar

  • 8×8 baking pan: perfect for creating these delightful bars.
  • Parchment paper: essential for easy removal and clean cutting.
  • Small bowl: great for mixing gingersnap crust ingredients.
  • Small saucepan: ideal for cooking blueberry filling.
  • Medium bowl: necessary for whisking lemon filling.
  • Butter knife: helps create beautiful marbled swirls.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Whisk: ensures smooth and well-combined fillings.
  • Oven: needed for baking the crust and final bars.

How to Make Gingersnap Bars with Fruit

  • Gingersnap Foundation

Crush crispy gingersnap cookies into fine crumbs, mixing with melted butter and a touch of brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating a golden, crunchy base that will cradle your fruity layers.

  • Blueberry Burst

Simmer fresh blueberries in a saucepan, coaxing them to release their deep purple juices. Let them bubble and soften, transforming into a luscious compote that hints at summer’s sweetness. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool and concentrate its flavors.

  • Tangy Lemon Layer

Whisk together eggs, sugar, and bright lemon juice until silky smooth. This zesty mixture will provide a tart counterpoint to the sweet blueberry and spicy gingersnap foundation. Pour carefully over the prepared crust.

  • Marbled Magic

Gently spoon blueberry compote across the lemon layer, using a knife to create swirling patterns that mix colors like an artist’s palette. These random swirls will make each square unique and visually stunning.

  • Baking and Cooling

Slide the pan into a preheated oven, baking until edges are set but center remains slightly wobbly. After baking, let the squares cool completely, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up.

Creative Touches for Blueberry Lemon Bars

  • Replace gingersnaps with graham crackers or chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile and textural twist.
  • Cut bars into squares and wrap individually in plastic wrap, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months for quick dessert emergencies.
  • Fold fresh blueberries into the filling for extra bursts of fruit and added texture throughout the bars.
  • Sprinkle lemon zest on top before serving to amplify the citrus sensation and create a visually appealing garnish.
  • Substitute gluten-free gingersnaps and use dairy-free butter alternatives for a welcoming recipe that accommodates various dietary needs.

Serving Fruit Bars That Stand Out

  • Serve with Creamy Companions: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious touch that complements the tangy lemon and sweet blueberry flavors.
  • Create a Brunch Showstopper: Slice the bars into elegant triangles and arrange on a beautiful platter with fresh mint leaves for a stunning dessert that will impress guests at your next brunch gathering.
  • Pair with Perfect Beverages: Enjoy these bars alongside a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a chilled glass of prosecco to enhance the dessert's bright and refreshing taste profile.
  • Package as Delightful Gifts: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade treat that makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.

Store Blueberry Lemon Bars Without the Crumble

  • Store Smartly: Transfer cooled bars to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars maintain top quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Slice with Ease: Clean your knife with hot water between cuts to achieve neat, crisp edges. Wipe the blade after each slice for picture-perfect servings.
  • Temperature Matters: Always serve chilled for the best texture and flavor profile. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance taste experience.
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Tangy Blueberry Lemon Bars Recipe

Tangy Blueberry Lemon Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Homemade blueberry lemon delight bars showcase summer’s freshest flavors with a zesty gingersnap crust. Creamy lemon filling and juicy blueberries create a perfect balance of sweetness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large eggs
  • 14 oz (400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 210 g gingersnaps
  • 1 cup (240 ml) blueberries
  • 5 tbsps butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsps sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest, freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp water
  • Pinch sea salt

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize gingersnap cookies with brown sugar, ground ginger, and melted butter until uniformly combined, then press firmly into parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan.
  2. Crust Baking: Toast the gingersnap base at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes, maintaining oven temperature after removal.
  3. Blueberry Compote: Simmer blueberries, granulated sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat, crushing berries to release juices and create a vibrant, glossy mixture. Incorporate vanilla extract and sea salt, then set aside to cool.
  4. Lemon Filling Creation: Whisk lemon filling ingredients until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture with no lumps.
  5. Layer Assembly: Spread one-quarter of lemon filling across pre-baked crust, then artfully distribute blueberry compote in dollops, repeating layering process.
  6. Marbling Technique: Delicately swirl layers using a butter knife, creating an elegant, interconnected pattern without overmixing.
  7. Baking Process: Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges solidify and center remains slightly tremulous.
  8. Cooling and Setting: Allow bars to rest at room temperature briefly, then refrigerate for 4-8 hours to develop optimal consistency and flavor complexity.
  9. Serving Preparation: Extract bars from pan using parchment paper overhang, slice into precise squares, and present chilled.

Notes

  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal texture, ensuring a smooth and cohesive dessert experience.
  • Gentle Swirling Technique: When creating the marbled effect, use a light touch with a butter knife to avoid overmixing, which can muddle the beautiful color contrast between lemon and blueberry layers.
  • Berry Burst Strategy: Gently mash some blueberries while cooking to release natural juices and intensify the fruit’s flavor, creating a more vibrant and concentrated filling.
  • Parchment Paper Trick: Use overhanging parchment paper when preparing the pan, which allows for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars without damaging their delicate structure.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 263
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 82 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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