Luscious Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: A Bite of Heaven

Name: Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 250 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 285 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 8 ounces of softened cream cheese; 1 cup of granulated sugar; 5 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter; 2 large egg; 1/2 cup of sour cream; 2 cups of fresh blueberries; 1 tablespoon of corn starch; 2 tablespoons of water; 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Indulge in the exquisite taste of our Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and a tangy blueberry topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.

American Cuisine

November 19, 2023

Difficulty Medium

Servings 8 people

Preparation 250 mins

Cooking 35 mins

Total 285 mins

Recipe Contents

Ingredients Directions Nutrition Equipments Tips

Ingredients

8 ounces of softened cream cheese
1 cup of granulated sugar
5 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
2 large egg
1/2 cup of sour cream
2 cups of fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon of corn starch
2 tablespoons of water
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Directions

Crust

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid, even layer.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

Cheesecake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.

Blueberry Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the blueberries, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Assemble

Spoon the blueberry topping over the cheesecake layer, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly browned.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Serve chilled and enjoy your homemade blueberry cheesecake bars!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Serves 8

Amount Per Serving

Calories320

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 20 g25.6%

Protein 5 g10%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

Use fresh or frozen blueberries. Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well for the topping. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. To learn ‘How To Keep Blueberries Fresh?’, check out our article.
Make sure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start. This ensures a smoother, more even mixture for your cheesecake layer.
Don’t overmix the batter. When adding the eggs, be careful not to overmix as this can introduce too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
Check for doneness. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the middle still has a slight jiggle to it. It will firm up as it cools.
Chill completely. Allow the cheesecake bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This ensures they are fully set and easier to cut.
Feel free to add lemon zest to the blueberry topping for an extra zing, or mix in other berries for a different flavor profile.
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Rate This Recipe

Embark on a journey of decadence with these Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the vibrant, sweet taste of blueberries. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and guarantee to leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cheesecake for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and yields scrumptious results every time.

Equipment for this recipe

Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowls

Stand Mixer

Baking Set

What Are Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?

Blueberry cheesecake bars offer a delightful twist to the traditional cheesecake, combining the rich and creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavor of blueberries.

For those who are fans of citrus flavors, blueberry lemon cheesecake bars introduce a zesty kick to the recipe. The addition of lemon juice and zest enhances the flavor of the blueberries and adds a refreshing brightness to the creamy cheesecake layer. This variation follows a similar preparation process, ensuring that you can still enjoy a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you're looking for a quicker option with less baking involved, no-bake blueberry cheesecake bars are a fantastic alternative. These bars eliminate the need for an oven, relying instead on the refrigerator to set the cheesecake mixture. The result is a cool and creamy dessert, perfect for warm weather or when you're short on time. Regardless of which version you choose, blueberry cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit, providing a delicious and visually appealing treat for any occasion.

How To Serve Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?

Serving Blueberry Cheesecake Bars is a delightful experience, as their creamy texture and fruity flavor make for a perfect dessert. Here’s how to serve them:

Room Temperature or Chilled:

You can serve the cheesecake bars either at room temperature or chilled, based on your preference.
If they have been refrigerated, you can take them out 20-30 minutes before serving to let them come to room temperature, or serve them straight from the fridge for a firmer texture.

Cutting:

Use a sharp knife to cut the bars. To ensure clean cuts, you can dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between slices.

Garnishing:

Consider garnishing the bars with additional fresh blueberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of blueberry sauce to enhance their appearance and flavor.
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a zest of lemon can also add a nice touch.

Plating:

Use a spatula to carefully lift the bars from the dish and place them on individual plates.
Ensure each serving has a visible layer of the crust, cheesecake, and blueberry topping.

Optional Accompaniments:

The bars can be served on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
A cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk also pairs well with the rich and creamy texture of the cheesecake bars.

Storing Leftovers:

If there are any leftovers, make sure to store them back in the refrigerator or freezer, following the storage guidelines to maintain their freshness.

How To Store Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Here’s how you can store them:

Refrigeration:

Let Them Cool: Before storing, allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature after baking. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which could make the bars soggy.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the cooled bars in an airtight container. If you’re stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The cheesecake bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated.

Freezing (for Longer Shelf Life):

Pre-Freeze: Place the cooled cheesecake bars on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching, and freeze for 1-2 hours. This helps them maintain their shape.
Wrap Individual Bars: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, making sure they are well-sealed.
Use a Freezer-Safe Bag or Container: Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Thaw Before Serving: When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cheesecake bars in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

After refrigerating or freezing, you can serve the cheesecake bars chilled, or let them come to room temperature for a softer texture, depending on your personal preference.

While cheesecake bars can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer, they are best enjoyed within the first few days of baking for optimal flavor and texture.