Are you craving a delightful treat that’s both creamy and fruity? Look no further! This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is the perfect combination of sweet blueberries, rich cream cheese, and a buttery crust that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a quick dessert for the family, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible dessert step-by-step and get tips on perfecting it!
What Are Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars?
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delicious dessert that typically features a buttery crust made from graham crackers or a shortbread base, topped with a rich layer of cream cheese filling, followed by a generous topping of fresh or frozen blueberries. Once baked and chilled, these bars are creamy, tangy, and bursting with blueberry flavor. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or an afternoon snack, they’re a treat that combines different textures and tastes beautifully.
Ingredients List for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or use a food processor to make your own from whole graham crackers)
- ½ cup melted butter (unsalted, for extra buttery flavor)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened (full-fat works best for a richer texture)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste if you prefer it less sweet)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or substitute with almond extract for a twist)
For the Blueberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, thaw and drain the excess liquid)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (helps sweeten the blueberries)
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the blueberry mixture)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds a zesty brightness)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor depth)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about making Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars is how adaptable they are. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Crust Variations: Instead of graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even a shortbread crust for a more buttery flavor.
- Fruit Swaps: Don’t have blueberries? No problem! You can substitute other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. You could even try a mixed berry topping for more color and flavor.
- Sweeteners: If you’re looking to reduce refined sugars, swap out the granulated sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.
- Cream Cheese Alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, there are several vegan or lactose-free cream cheese options that work just as well in this recipe.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to your crust for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the tangy cream cheese and sweet blueberries.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars? Follow these simple steps for a delicious result:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang to make removing the bars easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat measuring cup to ensure the crust is packed tightly. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it is lightly golden. Remove 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. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the filling is smooth and lump-free.
Step 4: Prepare the Blueberry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries release their juices and the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest if using. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before using it as a topping.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust, smoothing it out into an even layer. Gently spoon the blueberry topping over the cream cheese mixture, distributing the blueberries as evenly as possible. Use a toothpick or a knife to swirl the blueberries into the cream cheese layer for a marbled effect, if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden. The middle may still jiggle a little, but it will firm up as it cools. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars isn’t difficult, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overmixing the Cream Cheese Filling: If you overmix the cream cheese and eggs, the filling may turn out too dense or develop cracks. Mix just until combined for a smooth texture.
- Using Warm Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature but not warm, and your eggs are at room temperature. This helps everything mix smoothly without lumps.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. If you cut the bars too early, they won’t have time to fully set, and you’ll end up with a mess instead of clean, sharp slices.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve and present your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars can elevate the entire dessert experience. Here are some tips:
- Chill Before Slicing: Ensure the bars are fully chilled before slicing to get neat, clean cuts. Use a sharp knife, and wipe it between cuts for perfect slices.
- Add Fresh Berries: For a beautiful presentation, top each slice with a few fresh blueberries before serving.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
These bars are best served chilled, straight from the fridge. They make a wonderful afternoon snack, a perfect addition to a dessert table at parties, or a sweet ending to a cozy dinner. If you're feeling fancy, you can even drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate on top or serve with a side of lemon sorbet to enhance the fruity flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Layered Desserts: Serve the bars in small glass cups, layering crushed crust, cream cheese filling, and blueberry topping for an elegant deconstructed version.
- Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the bars into heart, star, or square shapes for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthday parties.
- Serve on Cake Stands: Display the bars on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance, making them ideal for parties or gatherings. They taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them individually and thaw in the fridge when ready to serve.
- Room Temperature Serving: Although they are best served chilled, you can leave them out for 10-15 minutes before serving to slightly soften the texture for a creamier bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes! Frozen blueberries work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain the excess liquid before using them.
Q: How long do Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these bars will last up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! You can use a shortbread crust, Oreo cookie crust, or even a digestive biscuit crust to change up the flavor profile.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a simple yet impressive dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet-tart goodness of blueberries. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a must-try for cheesecake and fruit lovers alike. With easy substitutions and variations, you can make this recipe your own. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up something delicious today!
PrintBlueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
These delicious blueberry cream cheese bars are a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet blueberries. Made with simple ingredients, they’re an easy and delightful dessert to whip up. Enjoy the smooth cream cheese filling topped with fresh blueberries, all set on a buttery crust. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe is sure to please everyone with its sweet and creamy flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup blueberries
- ¼ cup blueberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, and mix until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Spread blueberries evenly over the top, then drizzle with blueberry jam.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a thicker crust, increase the graham cracker crumbs to 2 cups.
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
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