Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking, especially when it involves the bright, zesty flavors of a Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars recipe. I remember the first time I decided to experiment with these delightful treats. It was a warm summer afternoon, the kind where the sun shines just right, and a light breeze dances through the trees. I had a sudden craving for something sweet yet refreshing, something that encapsulated the essence of summer. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of combining tart lemons with sweet blueberries, and I knew I was onto something special.

As I gathered my ingredients, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly zested lemon and the warm scent of baking butter. The process felt therapeutic, each step drawing me closer to that first bite. Watching the layers come together—starting with a buttery crust, followed by a creamy lemon layer, and topped with a crunchy streusel—was like art in motion. And when I finally cut into those bars, the bright colors of the blueberries peeking through the golden crust were simply irresistible.

Sharing these Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars with friends and family became a summer tradition. They’re perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just as a delightful afternoon snack. Every bite is a reminder of sunny days, laughter, and the simple joys of life. So, let’s dive into this recipe and make some memories!

Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars

When it comes to baking these Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars, the quality of ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to complement the others. The rich buttery flavor from the unsalted butter creates a delectable base, while freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated lemon zest bring life and brightness to the dish. The blueberries add a burst of sweetness and color, elevating these bars to something truly special.

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), at room temperature. This is the key to a rich, buttery flavor and a tender crust. Ensure it’s softened to blend easily with the other ingredients.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups. This provides the structure for the bars, allowing them to hold their shape without being too dense.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 1½ cups. These add a lovely texture to the crumb topping and a hearty quality to the bars.
• Packed Light Brown Sugar: 1 1/3 cups. The moisture in brown sugar enhances the flavor and keeps the bars soft and chewy.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the bars.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. This leavening agent ensures the crust rises beautifully during baking.
• Large Egg: 1, separated. The egg white adds structure, while the yolk enriches the filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 14-ounce can. This provides creaminess and sweetness, helping the filling set perfectly.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: 1/2 cup. The star of the show! It gives that necessary tartness.
• Grated Lemon Zest: 2 teaspoons. This boosts the lemon flavor and adds aromatic oils that elevate the bars.
• Room Temperature Blueberries: 2½ cups, washed and dried on paper towels. These add juiciness and a sweet burst of flavor.

How to Assemble Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars

Making Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars is not just about mixing ingredients; it’s about creating a delicious experience. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready to enjoy. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch metal baking pan by lining it with foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang on the ends. This will help you lift the bars out later. Spray the foil with cooking spray to ensure non-stick.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined. The mixture should look like a sandy texture.

3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small lumps of butter throughout for extra flakiness.

4. Transfer 2 cups of this crumb mixture to another bowl and set it aside for later as the topping.

5. Add the egg white to the remaining crumb mixture and mix well. Now, press this mixture into the bottom of your baking pan evenly, using the bottom of a flat, wide glass to tap it down firmly.

6. Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, until it starts to form a dry top. You’ll notice it becoming slightly golden around the edges.

7. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest with the egg yolk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

8. Once the crust is ready, sprinkle the blueberries evenly over it. Then drop spoonfuls of the lemon mixture over the blueberries, spreading gently with a spatula to ensure even coverage.

9. Bake this layer until the lemon mixture begins to form a shiny skin, about 7 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it set but not browned.

10. Now, sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the lemon-blueberry layer. Use your fingers to press the streusel into small lumps as you sprinkle for texture and crunch.

11. Bake until the filling is bubbly at the edges and the topping is golden brown, which should take about 25 to 30 minutes. The smell will be heavenly!

12. Let the bars cool in the pan on a rack until just warm, about an hour. Carefully lift them out of the pan using the foil overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars. If you can, chill them in the refrigerator to make cutting cleaner.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

These Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars are delicious as is, but here are some tips and tweaks to make them even better:

• Storage: These bars can be stored at room temperature for a few hours, but for longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
• Pairing: They pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Variations: Try adding nuts or substituting other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a delightful twist.
• Serving Size: Cut the bars smaller for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or gatherings.

Accompaniments for Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars

When it comes to enjoying Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars, the serving options are as delightful as the bars themselves. Here are some great ideas:

• Picnic Treats: These bars make an excellent addition to any picnic spread. Their portability and deliciousness are sure to impress!
• Summer BBQs: Serve them as a sweet ending to a summer barbecue. Their bright flavors are a refreshing contrast to grilled foods.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy a bar with your morning coffee or afternoon tea as a special treat.
• Birthday Celebrations: Perfect for birthday parties, these bars are an excellent alternative to traditional cakes.
• Seasonal Festivities: Great for summer gatherings, but versatile enough for year-round enjoyment!
• Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars recipe beautifully captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors and delightful textures. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or indulging in a quiet moment, these bars are sure to bring joy. I encourage you to prepare them soon; they’re not just a treat for your taste buds but a way to create cherished memories in the kitchen.

Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with these delicious Lemon Blueberry Streusel Bars. With a perfect blend of zesty lemons and sweet blueberries, this easy dessert is sure to satisfy your cravings. Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet afternoon treat, you won't want to miss out on making these tasty bars tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 24 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1.5 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats don't use quick cook oats
• 1.33 cups Packed Light Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 large Egg separated
• 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 0.5 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 2 teaspoons Grated Lemon Zest
• 2.5 cups Room Temperature Blueberries washed and dried on paper towels

Equipment

• Blender
• Frying pan
• Grater
• Oven
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9x13-inch metal baking pan by lining it with foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang on the ends. This will help you lift the bars out later. Spray the foil with cooking spray to ensure non-stick.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined. The mixture should look like a sandy texture.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small lumps of butter throughout for extra flakiness.
4. Transfer 2 cups of this crumb mixture to another bowl and set it aside for later as the topping.
5. Add the egg white to the remaining crumb mixture and mix well. Now, press this mixture into the bottom of your baking pan evenly, using the bottom of a flat, wide glass to tap it down firmly.
6. Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, until it starts to form a dry top. You’ll notice it becoming slightly golden around the edges.
7. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest with the egg yolk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Once the crust is ready, sprinkle the blueberries evenly over it. Then drop spoonfuls of the lemon mixture over the blueberries, spreading gently with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
9. Bake this layer until the lemon mixture begins to form a shiny skin, about 7 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it set but not browned.
10. Now, sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the lemon-blueberry layer. Use your fingers to press the streusel into small lumps as you sprinkle for texture and crunch.
11. Bake until the filling is bubbly at the edges and the topping is golden brown, which should take about 25 to 30 minutes. The smell will be heavenly!
12. Let the bars cool in the pan on a rack until just warm, about an hour. Carefully lift them out of the pan using the foil overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars. If you can, chill them in the refrigerator to make cutting cleaner.

Notes

The bars may be stored at room temperature for a few hours, but otherwise should be stored in the refrigerator.

Previous PostFruit Chaat

Next Post Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.