Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, beautiful to present, and deliciously creamy with a burst of fruit, look no further than Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars. These bars combine a buttery crust, a tangy and smooth cream cheese filling, and sweet blueberries, all topped with a crumbly streusel. Perfect for summer gatherings, a cozy family treat, or as a year-round indulgence, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

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What Are Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars?

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a dessert that layers a buttery, cookie-like base with a luscious cream cheese filling swirled or topped with juicy blueberries. The bars are finished with a crumbly streusel topping for added texture and sweetness. Think of it as a hybrid between a cheesecake and a blueberry pie, but much easier to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients List for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. These simple ingredients come together for a show-stopping dessert.

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and holds the crust together.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the crust.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, adding tanginess and creaminess.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
• 1 large egg: Helps the filling set.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and complements the blueberries.

For the Blueberry Layer:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries: The main fruit component.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the blueberries.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry layer.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds tartness and prevents the blueberries from becoming too sweet.

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crumb topping.
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats: Adds texture and chewiness.
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth to the topping.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Creates a crumbly, buttery topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ideas for changing up the recipe or making substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and streusel topping.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use plant-based butter.
• Different Fruits: If you don’t have blueberries, try other berries like raspberries or strawberries, or a mix of several types of fruit.
• Add Lemon Zest: For even more bright flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Sugar-Free Option: Swap out the sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly into an even layer.
5. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat again until fully combined and smooth.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

Preparing the Blueberry Layer:

1. In a medium bowl, toss the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice together until the blueberries are evenly coated.
2. Gently scatter the blueberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Making the Streusel Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the blueberry layer.

Baking the Bars:

1. Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.
2. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

How to Cook Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars: A Quick Guide

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to prepare your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a 9x13-inch pan. Make the crust by creaming butter and sugar, then adding flour and salt. Press into the pan and bake for 15-18 minutes.
2. Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, and lemon juice. Spread it over the cooled crust.
3. Toss the blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice, and scatter them over the cream cheese layer.
4. Make the streusel topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, and sprinkle it over the blueberries.
5. Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool completely, then refrigerate before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid a lumpy filling. You can soften it by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour.
• Overmixing the Filling: Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a smooth, creamy filling. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing the bars to crack.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Don’t skip the refrigeration! Cooling helps the bars set, making them easier to cut and enhancing the flavor.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still have a slight jiggle.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:

• Serve chilled: These bars taste best when served chilled. After cooling, slice them into squares or rectangles for easy serving.
• Add a garnish: Top each bar with a small dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra pop of color.

Presentation Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:

• Drizzle of lemon glaze: For extra flair, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the bars before serving. Just whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and drizzle over the bars with a fork.
• Fresh berries: Garnish with a few fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color and freshness.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh or Frozen Berries: You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before adding to the filling; just toss them with the sugar and cornstarch straight from the freezer.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, they taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.
• Storing and Freezing: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other fruits besides blueberries?

Yes! You can easily swap blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of berries. Just adjust the sweetness if needed.

2. How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?

The cornstarch in the blueberry layer helps absorb excess moisture. Additionally, baking the crust before adding the filling ensures it remains crisp.

3. Can I freeze Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust, filling, and streusel with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and buttery. With layers of a buttery crust, rich cream cheese filling, juicy blueberries, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re serving them at a summer BBQ, a family gathering, or as a weekend treat, they’re sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and enjoy every delicious bite!

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