My Favorite Blueberry Bars
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars (approximately)
Category: Bar Cookie
Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Kid Friendly, Brunch, For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours
Description
I first received this recipe from a co-worker many years ago, when she brought these incredibly delicious blueberry bars to an event. Since then, they have become a staple in my baking repertoire. Every time I make them, they never fail to impress, and I find myself making them over and over again. Although they do require a little bit of time to put together, the result is definitely worth the effort. Plus, you can easily swap the blueberry pie filling with any other flavor you prefer. These bars are perfect for large gatherings, family brunches, or any time you’re craving a sweet, fruity treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 3/4 cups |
| Butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 tsp |
| Powdered sugar | 1 1/4 cups |
| Butter (for frosting) | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 428.9 kcal |
| Fat | 14.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 91 mg |
| Sodium | 230.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 70.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugars | 48.4 g |
| Protein | 4.6 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan by lightly greasing or lining it with parchment paper. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat everything together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Make sure the butter is soft to ensure a smooth consistency. -
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything together until it forms a soft dough-like batter. You may need to use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. -
Prepare the Base Layer
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to smooth it out into a thin, even layer that covers the bottom of the pan. -
Add the Blueberry Filling
In a separate bowl, stir together the blueberry pie filling and nutmeg. Once combined, spread the pie filling evenly over the batter in the pan. Make sure the filling is spread out as evenly as possible, but it doesn’t need to cover every corner perfectly. Some gaps are fine. -
Top with Remaining Batter
Scoop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the blueberry filling, and then use a spatula to carefully spread it over the filling. Try to cover as much of the pie filling as you can, but it’s okay if some of the blueberry filling peeks through. -
Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cakey part of the bars comes out clean. The bars should have a firm, lightly golden top with a soft, cake-like texture. -
Cool and Frost
Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the pan for about 10 minutes. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add in the powdered sugar and lemon juice, stirring constantly until smooth. Once the frosting is fully combined, pour it over the warm bars, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. -
Let Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. The frosting will set as the bars cool, making them easier to slice and serve.
Pro Tips
- Pie Filling Substitution: Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings to suit your tastes or match the season. Cherry, peach, or apple pie fillings work beautifully in place of the blueberry.
- Add a Crunch: For an added texture, sprinkle a few chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top of the frosting before it sets.
- Serving Ideas: These bars are perfect for parties, picnics, or as an afternoon snack. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
These My Favorite Blueberry Bars are sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert rotation. With their delicious combination of a soft, cakey base and sweet blueberry filling, topped off with a zesty lemon frosting, they offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a brunch, or just a quiet afternoon treat, these bars never disappoint!
