No Bake Lemon Blueberry Bars

5 from 1 vote

Unlike some lemon blueberry bars, these no bake bars are soft, chewy, and lightly sweetened with a bright lemon flavor and homemade blueberry chia jam. They're the perfect no bake dessert for spring or summer.

Prep Time15

Chill Time2

Total Time2 15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Jamie N, Registered Dietitian

Ingredients

For the jam filling:

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries see notes for frozen
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the base layer:

2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup almond butter (or cashew butter)
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the lemon glaze:

1/3 cup powdered sugar (more if needed for a thicker glaze)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Lemon zest for topping

Instructions

Make the jam filling: Add the blueberries, lemon juice, and honey to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, crushing berries with the back of a spoon.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure blueberries are reduced and liquid is thick and jammy. Remove from heat, stir in chia seeds and lemon zest. Set aside to cool. *Note: If using frozen blueberries, simmer for closer to 15 minutes or your jam will be runny.
Next, make the bar layer. In a medium bowl mix together all of the bar ingredients until well combined.
Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press ~1 3/4 cups of the bar mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Spread evenly with the jam filling. Crumble the remaining bar mixture over the top.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle with a spoon over the top of the bars. Sprinkle with lemon zest if desired.
Slice into 12 equal-sized squares.

Notes

Don't forget to let the filling cool. Let the blueberry filling cool slightly before assembling the bars.
Chill the bars at least 2 hours. This ensures the best texture and makes it easier to slice the bars.
Make a thicker glaze. Add extra powdered sugar for a thicker, more visible lemon glaze.

Nutrition