These blueberry lemon bars are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack. The crust is made with a blend of all-purpose flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup, providing a rich and slightly sweet base. Topped with a vibrant mixture of blueberries and lemon, these bars are sure to be a hit.
If you don't usually have coconut oil or maple syrup in your pantry, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Coconut oil is often found in the baking or health food aisle, while maple syrup is typically located near the breakfast items. Fresh blueberries and lemons can be found in the produce section.
Ingredients For Blueberry Lemon Bars
Flour: The base ingredient for the crust, providing structure and texture.
Coconut oil: Adds a rich, slightly tropical flavor and helps bind the crust together.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth and complexity to the crust.
Blueberries: The star of the topping, providing a burst of sweet and tart flavor.
Lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor to the topping.
Lemon juice: Enhances the tartness and freshness of the blueberry topping.
Baking powder: Helps the topping rise slightly, giving it a light texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
Technique Tip for Making These Bars
To ensure a perfectly even crust, use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press the flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup mixture firmly into the baking dish. This will help create a uniform base that holds together well when you cut the blueberry lemon bars.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.
melted coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a different but pleasant flavor and is also a healthy fat option.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good alternative.
fresh or frozen blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries offer a similar tartness and can be used in the same quantity.
lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest provides a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds acidity and a slight fruity flavor, though it is less citrusy.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.
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How to Store or Freeze These Bars
To store your blueberry lemon bars, first ensure they have cooled completely. This prevents condensation, which can make the bars soggy.
Once cooled, cut the bars into individual servings. This makes it easier to grab a piece whenever you want without exposing the entire batch to air.
Place the bars in an airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The bars will stay fresh for up to a week, maintaining their delightful lemon zest and blueberry flavors.
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Start by placing the cooled, cut bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure the bars are not touching each other.
Freeze the bars for about 2 hours or until they are solid. This step prevents them from sticking together when stored.
Once frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Again, use parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Label the container with the date. Frozen blueberry lemon bars can be stored for up to 3 months without losing their delicious taste.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. This will help retain their texture and flavor.
For an extra touch, you can warm the bars slightly in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. This will revive the coconut oil crust and make the bars taste freshly baked.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the blueberry lemon bars on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain the crust's crispiness and the blueberry filling's texture.
Use a microwave for a quicker option. Place a blueberry lemon bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 10-second intervals if necessary. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the crust soggy.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the blueberry lemon bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, to ensure even warming. This method can help retain the crust's texture while gently warming the blueberry filling.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the blueberry lemon bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This method can help keep the crust crispy and the blueberry filling warm.
Essential Tools for Making These Bars
Oven: Used to bake the blueberry lemon bars at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup for the crust.
Mixing bowl: Another one is required to mix the blueberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, and salt.
Baking dish: Used to press the crust mixture into and to pour the blueberry mixture over.
Spatula: Helpful for mixing ingredients and pressing the crust mixture into the baking dish.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
Measuring spoons: Needed to measure the lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, and salt.
Zester: Used to zest the lemon for the recipe.
Juicer: Useful for extracting freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool completely before cutting.
Knife: Needed to cut the cooled blueberry lemon bars into portions.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to cut the lemon and the bars.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients like flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup before starting to save time during preparation.
Use a food processor: Combine the crust mixture in a food processor for faster and more even mixing.
Line the baking dish: Line your baking dish with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier and save on cleanup time.
Frozen blueberries: Use frozen blueberries instead of fresh to skip the washing and sorting step.
Cool quickly: Place the baked bars in the fridge to cool faster, so you can cut and serve them sooner.
Blueberry Lemon Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Coconut oil melted
- ¼ cup Maple syrup
- 1 cup Blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- ¼ cup Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, mix the blueberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour the blueberry mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
- Let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
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