Blackberry Lemon Squares

Oh wow, you have to try these! Blackberry Lemon Squares are sweet, tangy, and so bright. I swear, one bite makes me so happy.

When I bake them, the smell fills the kitchen. The blackberries and lemon just pop together. I always sneak a little bite while waiting.

And the soft, chewy squares? Oh my gosh, they’re perfect. I always want more because they disappear too fast.

So, let’s make them together. It’s super easy, promise. Come on, I’ll show you how!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: “Oh my goodness, these are to die for! Sweet and tart in every bite!” That’s a comment from a happy reader who can’t get enough of these blackberry lemon squares.
• Tart Meets Sweet: The natural sweetness of the blackberries complements the tangy lemon, giving the squares a unique, balanced flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
• Quick to Make: You can whip up a batch of these blackberry lemon squares in just 55 minutes with a total of 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of bake time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These squares store beautifully, and you can keep them for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator—perfect for an easy treat throughout the week.
• Visually Stunning: The beautiful purple swirls from the blackberries mixed into the lemon filling make these squares as gorgeous as they are delicious.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, here are a few kitchen tools that will help you get these blackberry lemon squares just right:

• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: This size works best for evenly baking the squares and achieving the perfect thickness.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium-sized bowls—one for mixing the crust and another for the lemon filling.
• Hand Mixer (Optional): If you want to speed up mixing the filling, a hand mixer works wonders, though it’s not absolutely necessary.
• Whisk: For beating together the eggs and lemon filling ingredients.
• Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the filling and swirling the blackberries.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and mouthwatering dessert:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This provides structure and texture to the base.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: The slight sweetness adds a delicate touch to the crust.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness of the crust and complements the tangy filling.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Butter ensures a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling without overpowering the tartness of the fruit.
• 2 large eggs: The eggs bind the ingredients together, creating a creamy and soft filling.
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings out the zesty, tangy flavor of the lemon.
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest: Adds a burst of citrusy aroma and flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Helps to enhance the flavors of the lemon and blackberries.
• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries (pureed): The stars of this dessert! Their tartness perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of the filling.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): A light dusting on top adds a refined finishing touch.

Variations for Blackberry Lemon Squares

There are a few ways to switch things up with this recipe to suit your preferences:

Add More Fruit:

• Mix in different berries: You can substitute or mix blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even strawberries for a different twist.
• Frozen Berries: If fresh blackberries aren’t available, you can use frozen berries, though be sure to drain any excess moisture.

Add a Layer of Crumble:

• Crumble Topping: If you love a good crunch, you could sprinkle some extra flour, butter, and sugar mixture over the filling before baking to create a sweet crumble topping.

Use Lemon Extract:

• Enhance Lemon Flavor: If you love a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to add a few drops of lemon extract to the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get started with making these delectable blackberry lemon squares. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfection!

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make removing the squares from the pan easier once they’re done baking. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Make the Crust

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. This ensures the crust will be flaky and tender.

Once the mixture is ready, press it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers to gently press it into all corners and edges of the pan. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until it turns light golden brown. While it’s baking, get started on the filling.

3. Prepare the Blackberry Lemon Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined. This will be the base of your lemon filling.

Next, puree 1/2 cup fresh blackberries using a blender or food processor. You want the berries to be smooth, but feel free to leave a few small chunks for texture. Add the blackberry puree into the lemon mixture and stir until fully incorporated. The blackberries will lend their vibrant purple color and tangy flavor to the filling.

4. Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully pour the blackberry-lemon filling over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

5. Swirl the Filling

For a beautiful swirl effect, gently swirl the filling with a toothpick or knife. Start from the center and make small circular motions to create a marbled effect, mixing the blackberries into the lemon filling. This creates a stunning visual contrast.

6. Bake the Squares

Place the pan back in the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. You can check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.

7. Cool and Cut Into Squares

Once baked, allow the squares to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to fully set, making the squares easier to slice.

8. Dust with Powdered Sugar

Before serving, dust the cooled squares with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.

How to Serve Blackberry Lemon Squares

These blackberry lemon squares are perfect on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate them further:

• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the blackberries.
• Top with Fresh Berries: Garnish with extra fresh blackberries or other berries for a pop of color and flavor.
• Add Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream on the side.
• In a Dessert Tray: These squares fit perfectly on a dessert tray alongside other treats like cookies, brownies, and mini tarts.

Storing Blackberry Lemon Squares

You can easily store these squares for later enjoyment!

• In the Refrigerator: Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• For Freezing: These squares freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Square)
Calories	180 kcal
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	26g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	17g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

These Blackberry Lemon Squares are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They bring together the tartness of fresh blackberries and the zesty brightness of lemon, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for a party, a picnic, or a simple indulgence at home, these squares will undoubtedly hit the spot. With minimal prep time and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll have a gorgeous, flavorful dessert ready in no time. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do!