Zesty Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars Recipe: A Tangy Sweet Treat

Creamy blueberry lemon custard bars bring summer’s most delightful flavors into a single, irresistible dessert.

Sweet berries burst with vibrant color against silky smooth custard layers.

Tangy lemon zest dances through each tender bite, creating a perfect balance of bright and rich notes.

Delicate pastry crumbles softly beneath your fork, promising a moment of pure indulgence.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Seasonal fresh blueberries elevate these bars from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to experience a dessert that captures sunshine in every delectable slice.

Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars – Tart Meets Sweet in Every Bite

• Burst with Fresh Flavors: Enjoy the zesty lemon and sweet blueberry combination that creates a delightful taste explosion in every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and special celebrations where you want to impress guests with a homemade treat that looks professionally made.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Requires minimal baking skills with simple mixing and layering techniques, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create something spectacular without stress.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing you to plan ahead for parties or simply have a delicious dessert ready whenever sweet cravings strike.

Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars

• Sugar Cookie Mix: A convenient base that provides a sweet and crumbly foundation for the bars.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
• Flour: Provides structure to the cookie base.
• Egg: Helps to create a cohesive and stable crust.

• Blueberries: Fresh berries that add a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dessert.

• Eggs: Act as a primary binding agent for the smooth custard texture.
• Flour: Helps to thicken and stabilize the custard mixture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the tangy lemon flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a rich and creamy consistency in the custard.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the blueberries.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

How to Bake Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat the bottom completely with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Delicious Crust

• Sugar cookie mix
• Butter
• Flour
• Egg

Blend ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Press the dough evenly across the entire pan bottom, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Scatter Fruity Layer

Spread fresh blueberries generously across the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution that will provide bursts of juicy flavor.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Custard

• Eggs
• Flour
• Sugar
• Heavy whipping cream
• Lemon zest
• Salt

Mix until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Pour this luxurious custard carefully over the blueberry layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly wobbly. This indicates a perfectly creamy texture.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. For maximum freshness, store in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.

Tips for Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars Success

• Choose ripe, fresh blueberries for the most vibrant flavor and sweetest taste in your bars.
• Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature to create a smooth, easy-to-mix crust that binds perfectly.
• Zest the lemon right before adding to the custard mixture to capture the brightest, most intense citrus notes.
• Test the doneness by gently shaking the pan – a slight jiggle in the center indicates the custard is perfectly cooked without being overdone.
• Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving to help them set and enhance the flavor melding between the crust, blueberries, and creamy custard.

Variations to Refresh Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars

• Gluten-Free Berry Bars: Replace sugar cookie mix with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour. Use dairy-free butter alternative for a celiac-friendly version.
• Raspberry Lime Variation: Swap blueberries with fresh raspberries and replace lemon zest with lime zest for a tangy tropical flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Custard Squares: Substitute sugar with erythritol, use almond flour for crust, and add cream cheese to custard mixture for higher fat content and reduced carbohydrates.
• Vegan Fruit Custard Bars: Create plant-based version using coconut cream, flax eggs, almond flour, and maple syrup instead of traditional ingredients. Select silken tofu for custard base to maintain creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright, citrusy notes that complement the lemon zest and balance the creamy custard's richness.
• Brew a delicate, fragrant earl grey tea with lavender to echo the blueberry's floral undertones and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, dense bars.
• Scoop a high-quality vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, creating a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, tangy dessert while amplifying the creamy custard's texture.

Storage Tips for Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars

• Refrigerate: Place bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheating Refrigerated Bars: Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to maintain custard's smooth texture. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery consistency.
• Room Temperature Serving: Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just don’t thaw them before adding to the recipe to prevent color bleeding and excess moisture.

• How do I know when the custard is perfectly baked?

The custard is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle, similar to a cheesecake. This usually takes 50-60 minutes in the oven.

• What if I don't have sugar cookie mix?

You can substitute with a simple shortbread or graham cracker crust. Mix crushed cookies with melted butter and press into the pan as the base.

• Is it necessary to use heavy whipping cream?

Heavy whipping cream provides richness and smooth texture. If unavailable, you can substitute with whole milk, though the custard might be slightly less creamy.

Blueberry Lemon Custard Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Delightful blueberry lemon custard bars merge tangy citrus with sweet berries in a creamy dessert. Classic French pastry techniques elevate this simple yet elegant treat you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (475 ml)
• 3 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup softened butter (113 g)
• 1 package (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray, ensuring complete bottom coverage.
2. Create a uniform base by blending sugar cookie mix, butter, flour, and one egg into a cohesive dough, then press firmly and evenly across the pan’s surface.
3. Scatter fresh blueberries generously across the prepared crust, ensuring even distribution.
4. Craft a silky custard by whisking eggs, flour, sugar, heavy whipping cream, lemon zest, and salt until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture.
5. Gently pour the custard mixture over the blueberry-covered crust, allowing it to settle naturally.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the custard develops a slight center wobble while edges appear fully set.
7. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the custard set properly.
8. Refrigerate to maintain optimal freshness and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure blueberries are fresh and dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the crust soggy.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother custard and more even baking.
• Customize the bars by swapping blueberries with raspberries or strawberries for variety.
• Dust with powdered sugar or add a light lemon glaze for extra sweetness and presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg