Do you love desserts that are sweet and tangy? Lemon Berry Bars are just that! They mix fresh lemon flavor with sweet berries to make a treat that’s hard to resist.

These bars have a soft crust topped with a creamy lemon layer and juicy berries. Each bite is fresh and full of flavor. They are quick to make and easy to customize with your favorite berries.

Picture these colorful bars on your table, ready to enjoy. They smell amazing and taste even better. They’re perfect for any time you want a sweet snack.

Why wait? Grab the simple ingredients and start baking today. Lemon Berry Bars are easy to make and so delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Combination of Flavors: The vibrant and tart lemon layer pairs beautifully with the sweet berry jam, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.
• Made with Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lemon juice, zest, and real fruit for the berry jam ensures the most flavorful bars possible.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, these bars are easy to prepare but look like a fancy treat.
• Great for Any Occasion: These bars are versatile enough for any event – whether it’s a holiday gathering, a picnic, or an afternoon snack.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily make these bars ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, here are the essential tools you’ll need to make these Lemon Berry Bars:

• 9×9 inch baking dish: A square baking dish is perfect for these bars.
• Medium saucepan: For making the berry jam layer.
• Mixer: To beat the eggs and sugar for the lemon filling.
• Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients and ensure the lemon layer is smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Grater: For zesting the lemon.
• Parchment paper: To line your baking dish for easy removal of the bars once they’re baked.

Ingredients for Lemon Berry Bars

These ingredients work together to create a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dessert:

Berry Jam Layer:

• 6 ounces blackberries (fresh or frozen)
• 6 ounces blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the jam)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (for added citrusy flavor)

Crust:

• 1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened (you need good quality butter for a flaky crust)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (the foundation of your crust)

Lemon Layer:

• 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetness to balance the tart lemon)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to help thicken the lemon layer)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (for fluffiness)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (more citrusy goodness)
• 4 large Land O Lakes® Eggs (provides structure and richness)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (the key ingredient for the lemony tang!)

Variations for Lemon Berry Bars

While these Lemon Berry Bars are amazing as they are, here are a few variations you can try:

• Mixed Berries: Instead of just blackberries and blueberries, try using a mix of raspberries, strawberries, or even cherries to create your own personalized berry blend.
• Add a Streusel Topping: For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle a simple streusel topping (flour, butter, and sugar) on top before baking.
• Change the Citrus: Try substituting the lemon with lime or orange for a different citrusy flavor that pairs well with the berries.
• Use a Different Jam: If you don’t want to make your own berry jam, feel free to use store-bought jam or preserves. Look for one without added pectin for a more natural fruit spread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Lemon Berry Bars involves three main steps: preparing the berry jam, making the buttery crust, and whipping up the lemon filling. Let’s get started!

1. Prepare the Berry Jam

Start by making the berry jam layer. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. This should take around 5-7 minutes.

Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool down for a few minutes before spreading it over the crust. You want it to be slightly cooled but still spreadable when layering it on the bars.

2. Make the Crust

Next, prepare the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they’ve baked.

In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and mix until combined. The dough should come together and resemble coarse crumbs. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.

3. Make the Lemon Layer

While the crust is cooling, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Beat everything together until smooth.

Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly. Then, spoon the cooled berry jam layer on top of the lemon filling, spreading it out gently with a spatula.

4. Bake the Bars

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the lemon layer is set and the edges are golden. The top should be lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

5. Cool and Serve

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the dish for about 15 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to the refrigerator to cool completely. The bars need to chill for at least 1-2 hours before cutting into them.

Once they’re fully chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Serving and Decoration

These Lemon Berry Bars are delightful on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Top with Fresh Berries: Garnish each bar with fresh berries like blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor.
• Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a classic look, dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a nice touch and makes them look extra fancy.
• Pair with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Storing Lemon Berry Bars

These bars are perfect for making ahead of time, and they store wonderfully in the refrigerator.

• At Room Temperature: You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cold temperature keeps the bars fresh and preserves the texture.
• Freezing: You can also freeze these bars! To freeze, first chill them completely, then cut into squares and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Yield: About 16 bars
Calories per bar: ~210
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 19g
Protein: 3g

(Note: These values are approximations and can vary based on ingredient brands used and portion size.)

Conclusion

Lemon Berry Bars are a sweet, tangy, and refreshing dessert that combines the best of lemon and berries in every bite. With a simple yet impressive presentation, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light summer dessert or a way to bring a touch of citrus to your next gathering, these bars will not disappoint!

Recipe Card

Lemon Berry Bars
Yield: About 16 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

Berry Jam Layer:

• 6 ounces blackberries
• 6 ounces blueberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest

Crust:

• 1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Lemon Layer:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 4 large Land O Lakes® Eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Berry Jam: Combine blackberries, blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and cool.
2. Prepare the Crust: Mix butter and sugar, then add flour. Press dough into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
3. Make the Lemon Layer: Whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, eggs, and lemon juice. Pour over cooled crust.
4. Layer the Jam: Spoon the berry jam on top of the lemon layer.
5. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the lemon layer is set.
6. Cool: Let cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing.

Enjoy!