Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars (Gluten Free, Vegan)

These easy Lemon Blueberry Bars are a fresh and delicious fruity dessert or snack! They are easy to prep in just 10 minutes and are made with nourishing whole food ingredients.

Not only are they delicious and easy to make, but they are also nutritious and packed with flavor. Like all of my recipes, they are gluten-free, refined-sugar free, dairy-free and healthy. Plus, they are oil-free and high in fiber. They are ideal to enjoy any time of the day including breakfast, snack or dessert.

These blueberry bars are inspired by my oat date bars. I created this recipe because I love the date bars but wanted something with fresh fruity flavor. By using frozen blueberries you can make these bars any time of the year. The lemon flavor is subtle thanks to the addition of lemon zest, so you can easily adjust depending on your taste.

If you are looking for an easy, healthy and delicious recipe, then you are going to love these bars. Once you make them, they will become a staple in your kitchen.

If you're looking for other easy dessert recipes, try blueberry crumble, molten chocolate lava cake or chocolate cookies, all vegan and gluten free!

Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Bars

You can find all of the ingredients for this recipe at your local grocery store.

• Almond Flour: If you don't have almond flour at home, you can make your own by blending almonds in a powerful blender until you obtain a fine powder. It is essential that the blender is completely dry to prevent the flour from compacting and turning into a paste.
• Gluten-Free Fine Rolled Oats (quick cooking rolled oats): It is important to use certified gluten-free oats so that the squares are suitable for people with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. These bars require both rolled oats and oat flour. You can choose to buy oat flour or make it at home by processing the oats in the blender or the bowl of a food processor.
• Coconut Sugar: This is a natural sweetener that has a lower glycemic index than other sugars, meaning it doesn't cause blood sugar spikes. Plus, it has a caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the blueberries. If you prefer, you can substitute with any other natural sweetener such as maple syrup, xylitol, stevia, etc.
• Frozen Blueberries: These fresh berries are the heart of this recipe, providing fruity, slightly tart flavor. I used frozen blueberries, but if you have fresh blueberries, they work great too. Frozen blueberries are convenient because they are available year-round and don't lose their nutrients when stored.
• Chia Seeds: The chia seeds are essential for thickening the blueberry filling, as well as providing fiber and omega-3s to the recipe. They act as a natural gel when mixed with liquids, helping to give body to the filling without the need for gelatin or other artificial thickeners.
• Lemon Zest: Lemon pairs well with blueberries and adds fresh citrus flavor. Make sure to use organic lemons to avoid pesticide residue on the peel. If you have Meyer lemons, those are best as they have a naturally sweet flavor. Zest only the yellow part, as the white parts can be bitter.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bars

Delicious lemon blueberry bars come together in just a few quick and easy steps. The sweetness of the blueberries combines with the delicious oat crust and crumble topping.

Full measurements and instructions provided in the recipe card below.

1. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C.) Line a 8x8 baking pan or baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, oat flour, gluten-free oats and coconut sugar. Add the water and lemon zest to the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon. When the water has been absorbed, knead with your hands until it forms a ball.
3. Form the crust: Take ⅔ of the dough and stretch and press it into the bottom of the pan, pressing down into an even layer. Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Prepare the filling: In a small saucepan, place the frozen blueberries along with a splash of water. Heat over medium heat until the blueberries begin to release their juices. Lower the heat and add the coconut sugar and chia seeds. Cook for a few more minutes until the filling thickens slightly.
5. Assemble the squares: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the lemon blueberry filling on top, spreading it evenly. Crumble the rest of the dough over the filling into small pieces, allowing some of the blueberries to peek out. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden.
6. Cut the squares: Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before cutting into bars.

Variations and Substitutions

• Other Fruit: You can use strawberries, raspberries or blackberries instead of blueberries. You can also mix berries for a different combination of flavor.
• Alternative Sweeteners: If you don't have coconut sugar, you can use maple syrup, agave, date paste or stevia. Each sweetener will give you a unique flavor, so choose the one you like best.
• Add Lemon Juice: For even more fresh lemon flavor, add a squeeze or two of lemon juice to the blueberry filling.
• Citrus Zest: If you don't have lemon on hand, you can replace the lemon zest with orange or tangerine zest. You can also or substitute it with cinnamon or vanilla extract, which will give it a sweeter flavor.
• Add a drizzle of white chocolate: If you want to elevate the flavor of these bars, add a drizzle of melted white chocolate before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store the lemon blueberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To freeze, store in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Try these irresistible lemon blueberry bars and leave a review below to let us know what you think!