Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Introduction

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars offer a tantalizing combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet, juicy blueberries layered atop a buttery crust. These bars strike the perfect balance between decadent and refreshing, making them an irresistible treat for brunches, potlucks, and afternoon coffee breaks. With a creamy filling, vibrant berries, and a crisp base, these bars deliver both comfort and elegance in every bite.

What Makes Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars So Irresistible?

The standout feature of these bars is the interplay of textures and flavors—imagine a rich cheesecake layer harmonizing with bursts of blueberry goodness, all supported by a crunchy, golden crust. Unlike dense cheesecakes, these bars are lighter and far more portable, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a mid-day pick-me-up.

Creating a Buttery Crust for the Ultimate Foundation

For a perfectly crisp crust, start by combining a simple mix of flour, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into your baking pan—lining it first with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll ensures effortless removal and a mess-free cleanup. Bake the crust until it’s just golden, which will set the stage for the creamy filling and keep everything beautifully structured.

The Cream Cheese and Blueberry Filling: Silky, Luscious, and Bursting with Fruit

Softened cream cheese, sugar, and a splash of vanilla make up the backbone of the filling, promising a smooth and tangy bite. To achieve the perfect creamy texture, use a stand or hand mixer, or employ a powerhouse like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black for an ultra-silky blend.

Fold in sweet blueberries—fresh or frozen work equally well. For even distribution, give the blueberries a rough chop using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which quickly preps your fruit for consistent bursts of flavor in each bite.

Simple Assembly and Smart Baking Tips

Pour your cream cheese filling over the pre-baked crust and gently smooth it out. Swirl in extra blueberry puree for an eye-catching finish, using a utensil or even a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black to lightly blend the layers for a beautiful marbled effect. Bake just until set—overbaking will dry out the bars.

Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars easily from the pan before slicing clean squares.

Serving, Storage, and Presentation

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are best served chilled, offering a refreshing, creamy bite. For perfect portable portions and neat presentation, pack them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—these keep the bars fresh and make transport a breeze for picnics or parties.

Pair these bars with hot tea or a cool glass of milk, or plate them with a handful of fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for extra pizzazz.

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe yields about 16 bars. Each serving provides approximately 200–250 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredient brands. These bars strike a pleasing balance between indulgence and portion control.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars (Recap)

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars combine a crisp buttery base with a tangy, creamy filling and juicy berries—a dessert or snack that’s as convenient and crowd-pleasing as it is delectable. With their make-ahead simplicity and irresistible flavor, these bars are set to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, leaving an overhang for lifting the bars out later.
2. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. While the crust cools, use the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black to blend softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
4. If desired, give blueberries a rough chop with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. In a separate bowl, toss blueberries with lemon juice and, if using frozen, the cornstarch.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle or gently swirl in blueberries using a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black for a marbled effect.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the center barely jiggles. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (ideally overnight).
7. Once chilled, lift the bars out by the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for freshness.
8. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with additional fresh blueberries before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes (includes crust and filling bake time)

Total Time: About 3 hours (including chilling)