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As the warm sun graces us with longer days and brighter skies, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a berry dessert to celebrate the joys of summer. The vibrant colors, delightful aromas, and tantalizing flavors of berries evoke feelings of nostalgia, bringing to mind sunny picnics, garden parties, and family gatherings. Among the myriad of berry-infused sweets, Zestful Berry Bliss Bars stand out as a perfect treat that showcases the lusciousness of blueberries paired with the zesty brightness of lemons.

Frozen Lemon Blueberry Bars

Celebrate summer with these delightful Zestful Berry Bliss Bars! With vibrant blueberries and fresh lemon zest, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to cozy family gatherings. Easy to make, the bars balance tartness and sweetness while providing a nutritious treat packed with antioxidants. Enjoy them fresh, or freeze for later. Perfect for sharing, these bars are a delicious reminder of sunny days. Explore variations or stick to the classic for the ultimate summer dessert!

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Zest of 2 lemons

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    Mix Blueberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, and half of the lemon juice. Stir gently until the blueberries start to break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

      Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar, the rest of the lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

        Combine and Bake: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

          Swirl in Blueberries: Pour the blueberry mixture over the batter. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.

            Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few blueberry bits are okay).

              Cool and Freeze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.

                Serve: Once frozen, transfer the squares to an airtight container. For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy these refreshing bars straight from the freezer!

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 3 hrs (includes freezing) | Servings: 16 squares