These Lemon Blueberry Blondies are a delightful dessert bar that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, all topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese icing. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing treat any time of the year, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Blondies:

¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon packed lemon zest
½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, melted and warm
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing (Optional):

½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon (4.93 g) softened cream cheese
¼ teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and lemon zest.
- Add the melted butter and mix until combined.
- Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to overmix.
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Icing (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled blondies.
Serve:
- Once the icing has set, cut the blondies into 16 squares and serve.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 bar, assuming 16 servings):

Calories: Approximately 142 kcal
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 1.5g

What Makes Lemon Blueberry Blondies So Special?

Lemon Blueberry Blondies are the ideal dessert when you’re craving something sweet yet light. The base of these blondies is made with simple pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, yet the addition of lemon zest and blueberries makes them extraordinary. Unlike a regular cake or brownie, blondies are denser, which makes them more satisfying to bite into, while still offering a chewy texture that complements the juiciness of the blueberries.

What truly sets these blondies apart is the optional cream cheese icing that is drizzled over the top. The creamy, slightly tangy icing adds a rich layer of flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the blondies, elevating them to a whole new level. Whether you choose to add the icing or not, these blondies are delicious on their own, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

A Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion

Lemon Blueberry Blondies are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide variety of events and occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a delicious snack to have with your afternoon tea, these blondies will fit the bill. Their portable, bar-like shape makes them easy to serve and share, and their balanced flavor profile ensures that they’ll please a crowd.

If you’re planning a summer barbecue or a casual get-together, these blondies will bring a refreshing, fruity twist to the dessert table. The vibrant lemon and blueberry combination gives off a cheerful, sunny vibe that’s perfect for the warmer months. However, they can easily be enjoyed year-round, as they bring a burst of flavor to any season. In fact, their bright and fresh flavor makes them an excellent option for holiday celebrations, especially spring and summer holidays like Easter or Fourth of July.

Healthier Dessert Option

While many desserts can be heavy on sugar and fats, Lemon Blueberry Blondies offer a healthier alternative, especially when made with fresh blueberries. Blueberries are known for being a superfood, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. These small berries are a great addition to any diet, offering potential health benefits such as boosting brain function and supporting heart health. When incorporated into a dessert like these blondies, blueberries provide both flavor and nutrition, giving you a sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty.

Furthermore, the use of butter and sugar in the blondie base can be adjusted to your preferences, allowing you to make the recipe a little lighter without compromising flavor. You could experiment with alternatives like reducing sugar or using a plant-based butter substitute if you’re aiming for a lower-calorie or vegan version of this dessert.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Blondies Even Better

While the basic recipe for Lemon Blueberry Blondies is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize and make them your own. Here are a few creative variations you can try:

Add Nuts: Incorporating chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios can add a delightful crunch and enhance the texture of your blondies.
Use Other Berries: While blueberries are a perfect match for the lemon in this recipe, you can experiment with other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Each variety brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Infuse the Icing with Flavor: For those who enjoy a more complex flavor profile, try adding a splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a little bit of fresh mint to the icing. These subtle additions can elevate the flavor without overpowering the lemon and blueberry combination.
Make it Gluten-Free: If you need to make these blondies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the other ingredients to make sure they’re also gluten-free.
Add a Lemon Glaze: For an extra citrusy punch, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the blondies instead of the cream cheese icing. Combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a little zest for a sweet and tangy finish.

The Science of Baking Blondies

Baking is as much about science as it is about creativity. To make the perfect Lemon Blueberry Blondies, it’s important to understand how the ingredients interact with each other and how different methods can affect the final product.

The role of the butter in this recipe is to provide moisture and richness, which helps create the chewy texture that makes blondies so appealing. When melted and mixed with sugar, it creates a smooth, silky batter. The sugar helps with the texture, as it not only sweetens the batter but also contributes to the chewiness of the blondies by affecting the way the dough spreads in the pan.

Serving and Storing Lemon Blueberry Blondies

Lemon Blueberry Blondies are best served at room temperature, but they can also be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer. They will stay good for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you prefer them warm, you can heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Blondies are the perfect dessert for anyone who enjoys a refreshing, fruit-filled treat. With their chewy texture, tangy lemon zest, and sweet blueberries, these blondies are a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to fit any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a casual gathering or a special celebration, this simple yet flavorful dessert is sure to impress.

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