No Bake Lemon Blueberry Bars

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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 blueberries (fresh or 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 1/2 teaspoons 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 5-7 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.
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.
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.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 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