A perfect July Fourth dessert

Fresh or frozen blueberries work equally well in these simple and delicious dessert bars. Once cooled, they transport well and don’t need refrigeration, making them a perfect choice for a July Fourth picnic.

Blueberry Lemon Squares

For the crust:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

For the filling:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1/8 teaspoon salt

3 eggs

2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened blueberries

Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

To make the crust, coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on low to beat together the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Add the flour and beat just until the mixture forms small crumbs.

Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Set the remaining mixture aside. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.

Meanwhile, make the filling. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, flour, lemon zest and salt. Add the eggs and lemon juice, then whisk until smooth.

Spread the blueberries in an even layer over the crust. Pour the filling over the blueberries. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden and the filling is puffed.

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Cut into squares.

Yield: 15 servings

Approximate nutrition per serving: 250 calories, 13 grams fat (8 grams saturated, 115 calories from fat), 3 grams protein, 31 grams carbohydrate, 68 milligrams cholesterol, 1 gram dietary fiber, 119 milligrams sodium.