Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Bars (Dairy-Free) Recipe
These Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful, dairy-free treat perfect for anyone craving a tangy and sweet dessert. With a buttery, crumbly shortbread base, a luscious blueberry lemon filling, and a light lemon glaze on top, these bars are bursting with fresh citrus flavor and juicy berries. Ideal for gluten-sensitive or dairy-free diets, they offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars (4x4 grid) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Lemon Blueberry Bars
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 cup (227g) salted butter, room temperature (regular or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/3 cups (280g) gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Filling
- 3 cups (444g) blueberries
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
Lemon Glaze
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray, then line it with two pieces of parchment paper arranged crisscrossed for easy removal.
- Mix Sugar and Lemon Zest: In a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar and lemon zest together on high speed for 1 minute until aromatic and combined.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Add softened salted butter (or plant-based alternative) and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually add the gluten-free flour blend and fine sea salt while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Form the Shortbread Base: Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan using your fingers or a spatula. Set the remaining dough aside for topping later.
- Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a small bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Gently toss to coat the berries without crushing them, ensuring the mixture is evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Bars: Spoon the blueberry mixture over the shortbread base, spreading evenly but leaving any excess liquid in the bowl. Then, crumble the reserved dough over the blueberry layer for a streusel-like topping.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and set.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool fully in the pan at room temperature. This helps the filling set properly.
- Make Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled bars. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan and slice into squares. Enjoy immediately or store as desired.
- Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- You can substitute plant-based butter to keep the recipe dairy-free and vegan.
- Ensure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
- Do not squeeze excess liquid from the blueberry mixture to keep the filling juicy.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough or glaze.
- The bars can be frozen whole or cut into squares; thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: gluten-free lemon bars, lemon blueberry bars, dairy-free dessert, gluten-free dessert, lemon dessert, blueberry bars, gluten-free baking, dairy-free baking