Ripe blueberries are baked over a sweet shortbread crust for a simple but irresistible dessert.
Music has a way of bringing back memories but it also has a way of perpetuating memories. I can recall one Saturday morning making pancakes for my family; It was spring, the windows were wide open, and I remember clearly playing in the background was Count Basie, a track a good friend has sent me to cook to. I listen to that song fondly and always revert back to that day.
It's hard to believe we've now already welcomed September, but I can't say I feel like Summer went by too quickly. I can honestly say for the first time, that I enjoyed the season. I'll join the choir and say, I wish there was more time. I wish summers in the North East were longer, but I enjoyed each day fully and partook in each moment completely.
I had more than my fair share of sunshine and I spent many a weekend out on the creek living off that salty air. I spent time with my family, reconnecting, and enjoying the summer days with them. I laughed more than I can remember too- one particular afternoon spent out with my mom and uncle, witnessing their back-and-forth banter, and an afternoon spent with my cousin giggling like little kids free from the world around us.
I tried to spend less time on social media and more time in the moment and what I have to show for it is an unorganized mess on my camera roll- impromptu pasta dishes, candid moments, the beaches, and lots of sunsets.
The song I'll commemorate this summer with is this Hozier track, one I listened to almost every evening as I watched the sun melt away into the night, singing softly to myself words I now know by heart, "There's no plan, there's no race to be run. The harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun."
So, consider this my love letter to summer, as we enjoy the last, waning days of the season.
But allow me first to linger, just a little longer, in the moment. Let me enjoy one more blazing sunset reflecting across the surface of the water, crickets chirping loudly under my window late at night, fireflies dancing in the garden, and one more Sunday dinner with my whole family- sitting with a cup of coffee and a piece of blueberry shortbread, talking about Bob Dylan and the 60s with my uncle. I hope Autumn will be as kind to me as summer has been.
Today's recipe is one of two final summer desserts I'll be sharing here on LTG, then brace yourselves, friends, pumpkin season is on it's way- or is it already here? Let the debate commence, but keep it friendly in the comment section below 😉
Pies, Tarts, Shortbread Bars, Oh My!
I took full advantage of this bushel of seasonal blueberries I most likely won't be seeing again until next spring.
However, if you're a creature of habit and tend to go for the classic pie, I'll redirect you to this Blueberry Basil Pie I shared a few seasons back, or maybe you want something a bit more delicate such as these Blueberry Basil Hand Pies. And yes, in case you've picked up on the recurring theme here, blueberries and basil are a underrated combo that definitely deserve more recognition.
Last but certainly not least, my Whipped Ricotta & Blueberry Tart is a nice option for those of you looking to stray from the classics. If you really want to up the ante though, then today's recipe is the one you're looking for.
I begin with a simple shortbread crust which can arguably be called one large shortbread cookie- again, let the debate commence. Next, I prepare a very simple batter and fold two pints of fresh blueberries into it. When you spread the batter over the crust, be warned, you'll probably wonder if you added too many blueberries to the batter or, you'll just second-guess my recipe. Trust. The more, the merrier.
Bake until the blueberry batter has set and has browned slightly. Let cool completely before slicing then sprinkle these buttery, sweet squares with powdered sugar, and serve (preferably but not required) alongside a sunset.
Blueberry Shortbread Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 squares 1x
Ingredients
For the Shortbread:
- 2 1/2 cups AP flour
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, chilled
For the Blueberry Topping:
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pints fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 glass pan and set aside.
- In your food processor, blend together flour, powdered sugar, and butter until a soft dough forms. Press to the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix together the beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Gently fold in the blueberries. Pour the batter evenly over the shortbread crust and return to the oven. Bake until the blueberries have set and the top is lightly golden, about 40-45 minutes.
- Let cool completely in the baking dish before slicing. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
If You Enjoyed Today’s Recipe…
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Enjoy with Love,
Tammy
angiesrecipes says
This is definitely a favourite. Shortbread+summer berries means a perfect treat!
Alison says
These blueberry shortbread bars are everything! I have frozen blueberries in my freezer from our annual summer blueberry picking, and I'm going to make these bars for my boys. They will love them!
Tara says
Mmm, these are SO good! And blueberries are totally my fave.
DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine... Blueberries and shortbread, its a can't miss combination! They look positively luscious... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Rebecca says
oh these look so delicious! the buttery shortbread + tart & sweet blueberries= DELICIOUS! gotta try it
Traci says
This, right here, is dessert perfection! And SO easy too! My new fresh blueberry fav...thanks for sharing!
Jessica Formicola says
Perfect! I just bought some blueberries, and now I know exactly what I'm going to make with them!
gloria Roa Baker says
I love blueberries and these bars looks wonderful!! xoxo
2pots2cook says
Absolutely beautiful twist. Keeper to make soon ! Thank you so much and I wish you enjoy your day 🙂
Cristina Petrini says
A very good seasonal dessert, excellent for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea! I steal the recipe!
kumamonjeng says
Blueberries are full of antioxidants so glad you use blueberries for this dessert. Last week we have very cheap blueberries sales so I hope this week we had blueberries offers in the supermarket, getting some back for this dessert.
Heather says
These blueberry shortbread bars sound and look sooooo yummy! I'm goign to try them very soon.
LuciWest says
That blueberry shortbread looks so scrumptious! Wonderful to see that the recipe is so simple. Love blueberries. Will have to try this...
Holly Castillo says
Just pinned, and your pictures are gorgeous!
Jasmine Hewitt says
this would be perfect for brunch with coffee! i wanna try to make these
Marysa says
Looks delicious! And what a perfect recipe for berry-picking season! I'll have to give this a try.
Kristal says
OMG this looks so delish! I am definitely going to try this out.
Lisa says
I love blueberries in general, but never had them in shortbread form. I’ll give these a try!
Agnes Vazhure says
I have a friend who wants to try blueberry recipe. I think she'll love this one. Looking forward for her successful trial. Thanks for this. So timely!
Kara says
I love blueberries but never thought of pairing them with shortbread, they look scrummy
Val says
Yummy! Blueberries are my favorite, I need to try this recipe soon, thanks for sharing it!
marie johson says
These blueberry shortbread bars are seriously quick and easy to prepare - no real baking skills necessary! And they're completely delicious!
Gloria says
Blueberries are my favourite berry of all. Shortbread is always delicious. Combining them together is my kind of dessert .... perfect for bbq parties.
Eva says
Shortbread and blueberries - what a fantastic combination! I just can't wait for wild blueberry season, it's definitely one of the perks of summer here in Sweden!!
Scarlet says
My mouth is literally watering. I just love fresh berries in baked goods. It brings out their natural sweetness. This blueberry shortbread bar recipe sounds amazing!
Chef Dennis says
I am thinking of making this tomorrow. It's inevitable! This Blueberry Shortbread Bars recipe looks really mouthwatering! I can't wait!
Paula Montenegro says
I'm loving how thick and luscious these bars look! The amount of blueberries is just perfect. Really digging these!
Megan says
Baking with blueberries is my all-time favorite! I love this recipe!
Anna says
You've combined my two favourite things, shortbread and blueberries! I just love how easy this recipe is and how only few ingredients mixed together can create these delicious bars! Perfect treat for any time of any day!
Sharon says
These blueberry shortbread bars are the BOMB! I love that it's a different twist on blueberry desserts.
Kathryn says
This looks like the perfect light and refreshing summer dessert. Can't wait to give it a try!
Elaine says
This is the dessert to make over the weekend. I am almost out of jars, so really looking forward to making these some time soon. Delicious!
Charity says
These bars look like a recipe my grandma used to make. I'm sure this will bring back memories. Thanks!
Jo says
I love the twist on shortbread bars. It looks so delicious! And with blueberries everything is delicious!
Cindy S. says
I made this the other day.
I think an ingredient may have been omitted.
The shortbread was delicious, but the blueberry layer
did not set up. I baked it till golden brown on top, but after cooling completely
the filling was runny. Maybe a bit of cornstarch was missing?
Upon reading all the comments, I'm not sure anyone else made them,
they only said things like "looks so good".
All the ingredients were a bit costly when added together.
Oh i ate a few pieces of it, but it was TOO runny and then soggy.
Sorry.
nerve control 911 says
This is an amazing recipe. I loved it.
It is amazing
nerve control 911 says
I loved it
Anita Rodrigues says
I love blueberries. Trying out this recipe for sure. Looks amazing
Miz Helen says
I am so excited to share and feature your awesome post on Full Plate Thursday, 706! Thanks so much for sharing with us and please come back soon!
Miz Helen