Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that perfectly combines the tanginess of cream cheese with the sweet burst of fresh blueberries? If so, these Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are just what you need! This recipe delivers a delightful mix of flavors and textures—crunchy, creamy, and fruity—that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow this recipe to create a treat that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. Read on to learn how to make these mouthwatering bars!

this Recipe

What are Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars?

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a scrumptious dessert made with layers of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh or frozen blueberries, and a buttery, crumbly crust. Imagine a buttery base supporting a smooth cream cheese layer, topped with juicy blueberries that burst with flavor in every bite. These bars are perfect for a sweet snack, party treat, or even an indulgent breakfast!

Ingredients List for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

To make these delicious bars, you’ll need the following ingredients for the crust, filling, and blueberry topping:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – This provides the crunchy base for the bars.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps bind the crumbs together.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – For a little extra sweetness in the crust.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened – The star of the show! Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the creamy layer.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind the filling and creates a smooth, custardy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese.

For the Blueberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries – Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen will work too.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the blueberries and creates a juicy topping.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Adds a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the blueberry topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Not all ingredients may be available, or you might want to get creative with your recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

• Crust Alternatives: If you don’t have graham crackers, try digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies for the crust.
• Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat cream cheese to lighten up the recipe. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less rich.
• Berry Swap: Feel free to swap the blueberries with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Mixed berries work great too!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
• Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon or lime zest to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it's lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add the Blueberry Topping

In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries begin to release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, smoothing it into an even layer. Spoon the blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center still has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. When ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy!

How to Cook Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

To make sure your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow this detailed guide:

1. Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with butter and sugar, press firmly into the baking dish, and bake to create a stable base.
2. Whip the Cream Cheese Filling: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling. Beat with sugar, eggs, and vanilla for a rich, creamy layer.
3. Cook the Blueberries: Stir the berries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch, and cook until thickened to ensure a flavorful topping that won’t run.
4. Bake and Chill: Once assembled, bake the bars until they are just set, then chill thoroughly to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your filling. Let it come to room temperature before mixing for a silky texture.
• Overmixing the Filling: Mixing the cream cheese filling too much can cause air bubbles, which may result in cracks while baking.
• Skipping the Pre-Bake on the Crust: Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays firm and doesn’t turn soggy under the cream cheese filling.
• Not Chilling Long Enough: These bars need time to chill and set. Don’t rush this step, or the bars may not hold together when sliced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars even more irresistible, pay attention to how you serve and present them. Here are some ideas:

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:

• Chilled or at Room Temperature: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, as the filling will be more stable and firm.
• With Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat.

Presentation Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:

• Fresh Blueberry Garnish: Scatter fresh blueberries on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Mint Leaves: Add a few fresh mint leaves on the side of each serving for a touch of elegance.
• Dust of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can give these bars a beautiful, bakery-style finish.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room temperature eggs and cream cheese. This ensures that the filling blends smoothly without lumps.
• Refrigerate Overnight: If you have the time, refrigerate the bars overnight for the best texture and flavor development.
• Slice Cleanly: To get neat, clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade with a damp towel between cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. No need to thaw them before cooking; just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes to account for the extra moisture.

2. How do I store Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars? Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, these bars taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.

4. What if my cream cheese filling cracks? A slight crack is nothing to worry about—it won’t affect the taste. However, to avoid cracks, be sure not to overbake the bars and chill them slowly after they come out of the oven.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are an irresistible dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh, sweet flavor of blueberries, all on top of a crunchy graham cracker crust. Whether you're making them for a party, family gathering, or simply to treat yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit. Follow the steps in this recipe, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Enjoy!

Print