Lemon Blueberry Bars

Lemon and blueberries are a perfect combination for a spring and summer treat! These bars are very lemony and the blueberries make them extra moist and good. You can add some lemon zest for extra lemony flavor if you like–I noted that as "optional" in the recipe. 

These bars are topped with a delightful lemon glaze, sure to satisfy any lemon-lover. Enjoy these on your porch or patio with a glass of lemonade or iced tea!

LEMON BLUEBERRY BARS by Cottage Flavor

Makes a 9 x 13" pan

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 5 Tablespoons lemon juice (if using fresh-squeezed, you'll need 3 to 4 lemons)
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons lemon zest, optional
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen berries, your baking time will be longer)

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease or spray a 9 x 13" pan; set aside.

In large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until well blended. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, if using; blend everything together well.

In a medium bowl, blend together flour, salt, and baking soda; add this dry mixture to the butter/sugar mixture and blend everything together well. Fold in the blueberries and stir just enough to evenly mix berries into the batter.

Pour or spoon batter into prepared pan and bake at 350˚F for 25 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (edges will be browned) If using frozen berries, your baking time will be closer to 35 minutes. Remove pan from oven and cool completely on wire rack.

While bars are cooling, mix the Lemon Glaze:

LEMON GLAZE

• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 Tablespoons lemon juice (if using fresh-squeezed, you'll need 2 to 3 lemons)
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice together, blending well. Add in zest, if using, and blend in well. This is a thicker glaze; if you'd like it thinner, add another Tablespoon of lemon juice.

When bars have completely cooled in pan, spoon or pour glaze over the top of bars, then let glaze set. If you would like to have the glaze set quickly, put pan in the refrigerator for about 25 minutes. Cut into bars, and then serve. 

I like to store any uneaten bars in the refrigerator...this keeps the glaze from getting runny and sticky. Besides, they taste great when they're cool.

Do you like lemon and blueberry treats too? Do you have a special recipe you like to make with these ingredients?