These Blueberry Lattice Bars are a deliciously sweet treat featuring a buttery crust, blueberry filling, and a beautiful lattice design on top. Perfect for any occasion, they’re an ideal way to showcase fresh or frozen blueberries. These bars won a blue ribbon at a local cooking contest, making them a proven crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the dough:
- 1 ⅓ cups butter, softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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For the filling:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions
- Cream butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually beat in the flour until well combined. Divide dough into two portions and shape each into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Roll each portion of dough between two sheets of waxed paper into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Place the dough rectangles on separate baking sheets and freeze for 5-10 minutes to firm.
- Place one dough rectangle in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan, pressing it onto the bottom and up the sides about ½ inch. Add the blueberry filling on top.
- Cut the second dough rectangle into ½-inch strips and freeze for 5-10 minutes. Arrange the strips in a crisscross pattern over the filling. Press the edges with a fork to seal the strips if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack, then cut into bars.
Nutrients (Per Bar)
- Calories: 233 kcal
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 109mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugars: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
The Allure of Lattice Desserts
Lattice desserts have a timeless appeal. The intricate crisscross pattern of dough over a filling not only adds an element of elegance but also enhances the texture of the dessert. In the case of these Blueberry Lattice Bars, the lattice top creates a beautiful presentation while allowing for just the right amount of crust to filling ratio in every bite. The golden, crispy edges of the lattice complement the tender, juicy blueberry filling underneath, resulting in a dessert that is both light and rich at the same time.
Why Blueberry Lattice Bars Stand Out
Blueberries are the star ingredient in these bars, providing a burst of sweetness and a slight tartness that balances perfectly with the buttery crust. Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used, making these bars a year-round treat. The blueberries are cooked down with sugar and cornstarch to create a thick, jam-like filling that holds its shape while remaining juicy and flavorful.
What truly makes these Blueberry Lattice Bars stand out is their balance of textures. The crust is tender yet slightly crumbly, providing a satisfying base for the sweet filling. The lattice topping, made from the same dough as the crust, is flaky and crisp, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, gooey blueberry layer. This combination of textures—crisp, flaky, and tender—ensures that every bite is full of satisfaction.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Blueberry Lattice Bars are an ideal dessert for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or looking for a dessert to impress at a potluck or holiday gathering, these bars fit the bill. Their versatility makes them suitable for everything from summer picnics to fall harvest celebrations.
The fresh, vibrant blue of the blueberries adds a pop of color to the dessert table, making it a perfect choice for special events such as birthdays, baby showers, or anniversaries. The bars are easy to cut into individual servings, making them convenient for both casual and more formal gatherings. Plus, they can be served warm or at room temperature, making them flexible in terms of presentation.
The Secret to the Buttery, Flaky Crust
The success of Blueberry Lattice Bars begins with the dough. The crust is made with butter, sugar, and flour, which comes together to form a rich, flavorful base. The key to the perfect crust is ensuring that the butter is cold when mixed with the other ingredients. This creates a flaky texture that will hold up well under the blueberry filling and lattice top.
By refrigerating the dough after mixing, it firms up, making it easier to roll out and handle. The dough is then divided into two portions—one for the bottom crust and the other for the lattice top. The dough is rolled out between two sheets of waxed paper, preventing it from sticking and ensuring that it remains smooth and even.
The Blueberry Filling: Sweet, Tangy, and Thick
The blueberry filling is what takes these bars from good to great. It’s made by cooking down fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened, creating a syrupy consistency that’s perfect for spreading. This filling is not only packed with blueberry flavor but also thick enough to stay intact when cut into bars, ensuring a clean, neat slice every time.
The cornstarch is essential in thickening the filling and preventing it from becoming too runny during baking. It helps create a gel-like texture that holds the berries together while still allowing the juicy, fresh flavors to shine through. If you prefer, you can tweak the level of sweetness in the filling by adjusting the amount of sugar, depending on the ripeness of your berries and your personal taste preferences.
The Art of the Lattice Design
One of the most beautiful aspects of these Blueberry Lattice Bars is the intricate lattice top. While it may seem complicated, creating a lattice design is easier than it looks. The dough is simply rolled out and cut into strips, which are then arranged over the blueberry filling in a crisscross pattern. This pattern not only looks stunning but also allows the filling to peek through, showcasing the vibrant blueberries.
To ensure that the lattice holds together during baking, the edges are pressed with a fork, which seals the strips in place. The lattice is baked to a golden brown, with the buttery crust providing a crisp contrast to the soft, juicy blueberry filling. This beautiful design also allows for even baking, as the lattice allows heat to circulate evenly, ensuring that every bite of the bars is perfectly cooked.
Serving and Storing Blueberry Lattice Bars
Once baked, these Blueberry Lattice Bars are best allowed to cool completely before cutting into bars. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to achieve clean, precise slices. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for longer storage. If you prefer to enjoy them warm, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.
These bars can be served on their own, dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness. Alternatively, you can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of lemon glaze for extra indulgence. The possibilities for serving are endless, and they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.
Blueberry Lattice Bars: A Proven Crowd-Pleaser
These bars have proven their worth by winning a blue ribbon at a local cooking contest, solidifying their reputation as a crowd-pleaser. The combination of buttery crust, sweet blueberry filling, and flaky lattice topping has made them a favorite among both casual bakers and seasoned pastry chefs. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and irresistible flavor make them a dessert that is bound to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, Blueberry Lattice Bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their combination of textures and flavors ensures that each bite is as delightful as the last, and their beautiful presentation makes them an impressive dessert to serve at any event.
Conclusion
Blueberry Lattice Bars are a delicious and visually stunning dessert that combines the best of buttery, flaky crusts with the sweetness of blueberries. Their easy-to-make filling and lattice design make them the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations. With their winning flavor and elegant presentation, these bars are sure to impress both friends and family alike.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new, Blueberry Lattice Bars are a must-try. Their blue ribbon quality and undeniable appeal make them a treat that’s both nostalgic and modern—an ideal addition to any dessert table.
