Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity? These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are just what you need! With a buttery crust, a rich cream cheese layer, and a sweet blueberry topping, these bars are the ultimate indulgence. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for a special occasion. Keep reading for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make these irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars!

What are Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars?

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delicious dessert made with a crumbly shortbread or graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a sweet blueberry topping. The cream cheese layer gives the bars a cheesecake-like texture, while the blueberries add a refreshing fruity contrast. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a dessert to bring to a party, a picnic treat, or simply something to enjoy with your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients List for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

For the Crust:

1. 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – The base of the bars, providing a buttery, slightly sweet foundation.
2. ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds a little sweetness to the crust.
3. ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crumbs together and adds richness.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened – The star of the filling, providing a rich and creamy texture.
2. ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
3. 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the filling.
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor depth and enhances the sweetness.
5. ¼ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess to the filling.

For the Blueberry Topping:

1. 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries – The fruity topping that adds color and flavor.
2. ⅓ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the blueberries.
3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the blueberry flavor.
4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the blueberry sauce to the perfect consistency.

For the Crumb Topping (Optional):

1. ½ cup all-purpose flour – Adds structure to the crumb topping.
2. ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
3. ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats – Gives the topping a chewy, hearty texture.
4. ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Creates a crumbly, buttery texture for the topping.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers and substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumb topping with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of the bars.
• Mixed Berries: Use a combination of berries like raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries along with the blueberries for a mixed berry twist.
• Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add the zest of one lemon to the cream cheese filling and a bit of lemon juice for an extra bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the blueberries.
• No Crumb Topping: For a simpler version, you can skip the crumb topping and finish the bars with just the blueberry topping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix the crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the crust into the pan: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or the back of a spoon to press it down tightly.
4. Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Topping

1. Cook the blueberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken and the blueberries burst, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cool the topping: Once the blueberry mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese filling.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add sugar and vanilla: Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
3. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the filling to become too dense.
4. Add the sour cream: Stir in the sour cream until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread the cream cheese filling: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Add the blueberry topping: Spoon the blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, swirling it lightly into the cream cheese with the tip of a knife or a toothpick for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping (Optional)

1. Mix the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, and brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until large crumbs form.
2. Sprinkle the crumb topping: If using, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the blueberry and cream cheese layers.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

1. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and the edges are slightly golden.
2. Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to fully set before slicing.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Lift the bars out of the pan: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
2. Cut into squares: Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Optionally, drizzle a bit of extra blueberry sauce or dust them with powdered sugar for presentation.

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

1. Prepare the crust: Start with a buttery graham cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection and forms a firm base.
2. Cook the blueberries: Sweeten and thicken the blueberries to create a luscious topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
3. Make the cream cheese filling: A rich, tangy-sweet mixture that adds a cheesecake-like texture and flavor to the bars.
4. Assemble and bake: Layer the cream cheese mixture and blueberry topping over the crust, bake, and then chill to set the layers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not pre-baking the crust: Pre-baking the crust helps it stay crisp and not become soggy once the filling is added.
2. Overmixing the cream cheese filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing the filling to puff up and crack during baking. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Skipping the chilling step: Be sure to let the bars chill for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
4. Using watery blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, thaw them and drain any excess liquid before cooking to prevent the topping from becoming too runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars: These bars are best served chilled. For a touch of extra sweetness, top them with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Presentation Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars: Drizzle a bit of extra blueberry sauce or melted white chocolate over the bars before serving. Garnish with fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They actually taste better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If freezing, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Enhance the Flavor: Add the zest of a lemon to the cream cheese filling for a fresh, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes! If you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before cooking them into the topping. This prevents the topping from becoming too watery.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and a gluten-free flour blend in the crumb topping, if you’re using one.

Q: Can I use another type of fruit?
A: Yes! You can substitute blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.

Q: How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from cracking?
A: Avoid overmixing the filling and bake the bars at a moderate temperature. If cracks do appear, the blueberry topping will help disguise them.

Conclusion

And there you have it—delicious Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars that are creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet. These bars are easy to make, yet impressive enough to wow guests. With their buttery crust, tangy-sweet cream cheese layer, and juicy blueberry topping, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a slice of indulgent dessert heaven! Happy baking!

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