Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you're looking for a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and tangy with a hint of sweetness, Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect solution. These bars combine the richness of cheesecake with the bright flavors of lemon and blueberry, all on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. They are easy to make and ideal for spring and summer gatherings, but delicious enough to enjoy any time of the year. Whether you're serving them at a party, family get-together, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress!

What are Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are a creamy dessert made with a graham cracker crust, a smooth lemon-infused cheesecake filling, and bursts of fresh or frozen blueberries. The tartness of the lemon complements the sweetness of the blueberries and the richness of the cheesecake, creating a perfectly balanced bite. The bars are baked, cooled, and cut into squares, making them easier to serve than traditional cheesecake. They are perfect for any occasion and can be topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or extra blueberry sauce for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients List for Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (2 packages)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, don’t thaw)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh blueberries
• Lemon zest or lemon slices
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream

Substitutions and Variations

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are quite versatile, and you can easily make a few adjustments to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free crust. Ensure all other ingredients, such as flour, are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream substitutes for a dairy-free version. You can also replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for the crust.
• Different Fruits: Not a fan of blueberries? You can swap them out for raspberries, blackberries, or even strawberries. Other fruits like peaches or cherries also work well in this recipe.
• Oreo Crust: For a twist on the traditional graham cracker crust, substitute crushed Oreos for a richer, chocolatey base.
• Add a Topping: Serve with a drizzle of blueberry sauce, lemon curd, or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the presentation and flavor of the bars.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars is straightforward and doesn't require special baking skills. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your cheesecake bars turn out perfectly creamy, tangy, and delicious.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars once baked. Lightly grease the parchment paper with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using the back of a spoon or your hands.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Next, add the sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Mix until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.

Gently fold the fresh or frozen blueberries into the cheesecake batter using a spatula, being careful not to break the berries.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars

Pour the lemon blueberry cheesecake filling over the pre-baked graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top and spread the filling evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be firm and lightly golden, while the middle should have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to allow the cheesecake to firm up and develop its flavors.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the cheesecake bars have chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the baking dish. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices. Serve chilled and enjoy!

How to Cook Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, and press the mixture into the dish.
3. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then cool slightly while preparing the filling.
4. Make the filling by beating cream cheese, sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, juice, and flour until smooth. Fold in blueberries.
5. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until set.
6. Cool the bars to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake batter, as this can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks during baking.
• Overbaking: Cheesecake bars should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove them from the oven. Overbaking can cause the cheesecake to crack and become dry.
• Skipping the Chill Time: It’s important to let the cheesecake bars chill for at least a few hours before cutting. This allows the cheesecake to set properly and makes the bars easier to slice.
• Using Warm Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are delicious on their own, but you can add a little extra flair with a few simple serving and presentation ideas:

• Dust with powdered sugar: Just before serving, dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar for a light, elegant touch.
• Top with fresh blueberries: For extra blueberry flavor, top each bar with a few fresh berries or a spoonful of homemade blueberry sauce.
• Whipped cream garnish: Add a small dollop of whipped cream on each bar for a more indulgent treat.
• Serve with lemon slices: Thin slices of lemon placed on the side or on top of the bars add a refreshing and colorful touch.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

These bars are best served chilled and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a few extra touches. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Serve with blueberry sauce: Drizzle homemade blueberry sauce or a store-bought version over each bar for added sweetness and berry flavor.
• Pair with coffee or tea: These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a great dessert option for brunches or afternoon get-togethers.
• Add a dollop of lemon curd: Enhance the lemon flavor by serving the bars with a small spoonful of tangy lemon curd on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

• Decorate with fresh fruit: Scatter fresh blueberries and a few thin lemon slices on top of the bars for a colorful and appealing presentation.
• Serve in cupcake liners: For easy serving at parties or gatherings, place each cheesecake bar in a decorative cupcake liner.
• Layered dessert trays: Arrange the bars on a dessert tray alongside other bite-sized treats like brownies, cookies, or petit fours.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe Tips

• Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor for these bars. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it doesn’t have the same brightness.
• Chill for cleaner cuts: For perfectly neat bars, refrigerate them for several hours or overnight before slicing. This makes the cheesecake firm and easier to cut.
• Make ahead of time: These cheesecake bars can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. Be sure to add them to the batter frozen, as thawing them can cause too much moisture in the filling.

How long do Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make these bars without blueberries?
Absolutely! You can omit the blueberries for plain lemon cheesecake bars or substitute them with another berry or fruit of your choice.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The buttery graham cracker crust, luscious lemon cheesecake filling, and juicy blueberries come together to create a delightful dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress. Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll be enjoying these mouthwatering cheesecake bars in no time!

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