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Lemon and Blueberry Bars with Fluffy Meringue
Lemon and Blueberry Bars with Fluffy Meringue
Dessert

Lemon and Blueberry Bars with Fluffy Meringue

★★★★ ☆ 4.4 (414)

These bars are the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet blueberries, topped with a light, fluffy meringue that melts in your mouth. They’re a delightful treat for any occasion and easy to whip up in no time.

◷ 1 hr 5 min Total Time
♜ 4 Servings
▥ Hard Difficulty
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Ingredients

4 servings
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Instructions

1

Step 1

Start by mixing the flours and salt in a bowl for the crust. In a stand mixer, beat together the sugar, butter, shortening, and almond extract until the mixture looks light and a bit fluffy. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined—try not to overwork the dough. Press it into a 9x13-inch glass dish, making sure to build up a half-inch edge all around so the filling won’t stick to the sides. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.

2

Step 2

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the crust out of the fridge and bake it in the middle of the oven until the edges turn golden and the center is a soft golden color, which should take about 45 to 60 minutes. Let it cool completely on a wire rack, about half an hour. Lower the oven temperature to 300°F.

3

Step 3

While the crust cools, whisk together the sugar, flour, lemon juice, honey, 6 egg yolks, 4 egg whites, lemon zest, and baking soda for the filling. Give it a quick mix—no need to overbeat here. Keep the last 2 egg whites aside for the meringue topping. Spread the blueberries evenly over the cooled crust, then pour the lemon filling on top.

4

Step 4

Bake the bars at 300°F until the filling sets, which usually takes 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the bars inside to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

5

Step 5

Now, get your broiler ready by setting a rack about 6 inches from the heat and turning it on high. For the meringue, combine the 2 reserved egg whites with 2 fresh egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Whisk constantly, scraping the sides so nothing sticks or burns, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture feels warm to the touch—around 2 to 3 minutes. Take the bowl off the heat and beat the mixture with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, then crank it up to high speed until the meringue is thick and holds stiff, spreadable peaks.

6

Step 6

Spread the meringue over the cooled bars, swirling it around for a pretty finish. Place the bars under the broiler for just 30 to 60 seconds until the meringue is golden and toasted—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Finally, cut into 24 pieces and chill in the fridge for about 3 hours before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars combine the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with sweet bursts of blueberry, all topped with a light and airy meringue. The balance of tart and sweet makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. Plus, the fluffy meringue adds a lovely texture contrast that feels special but is easy to achieve.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect served chilled or at room temperature. They make a great dessert for spring or summer gatherings. Try pairing them with a cup of hot tea or a light, fruity white wine to enhance the citrus notes.

Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the meringue fresh and fluffy. They are best eaten within 2-3 days. Avoid freezing as it can change the texture of the meringue and the fruit filling.