Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Introduction
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are an irresistible combination of velvety cheesecake, juicy blueberries, and a buttery crust—all layered to create a decadent dessert that’s as elegant as it is easy to make. Their bright, tangy fruit layer and creamy filling make these bars the perfect treat for celebrations, potlucks, or whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying.
Whether you need a simple dessert for a crowd or want to elevate your afternoon coffee break, these bars stand out for their luscious flavor and eye-catching swirls of blueberry.
Why Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Are the Ultimate Dessert Bar
The genius of these bars lies in their balance: a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust, a rich cream cheese center, and a blueberry topping that punches up both color and flavor. Each bite offers sweetness, tartness, and creaminess in equal measure. Plus, this recipe is wonderfully versatile—try swapping in different berries or adding lemon zest for your own twist.
How to Create the Creamiest Filling
For a silky-smooth cheesecake layer, start with softened cream cheese, blend well, then gently fold in the rest of your filling ingredients to avoid introducing too much air (which can cause cracks as the bars bake). Mixing thoroughly ensures that every slice comes out luscious and even.
A powerful countertop blender like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black can make quick work of combining your cream cheese, eggs, and sugar for an ultra-smooth filling perfect for layering over the crust.
Baking and Cooling for Perfect Texture
The crust, made from a simple mix of flour, sugar, and melted butter, forms the foundation for these bars. Press the mixture evenly into your baking pan and bake briefly before adding the cream cheese and blueberry layers.
Be sure to line your pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet for easy removal and slicing. After baking, allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least two hours to ensure perfect, clean slices and maximal flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For neat, café-worthy bars, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Serve chilled for optimal texture. If you’re taking these bars on the go or prepping for a potluck, store slices in stackable Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep them fresh and travel-ready.
Present on a platter garnished with extra fresh blueberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 16 blueberry cream cheese bars. Each serving contains approximately 220–250 calories, depending on variations in ingredients. They’re rich, so a little goes a long way!
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion: Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars (Recap)
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars boast a combination of vibrant fruit, creamy indulgence, and buttery crust that’s guaranteed to impress. Their simple, crowd-pleasing nature makes them ideal for gatherings, afternoon treats, or special celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with a sheet of the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet for effortless removal after baking.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a crumbly dough forms, then press evenly into the prepared pan to form a firm layer. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven but leave it on.
- Meanwhile, use the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black to blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, blending until just incorporated. Pour this creamy mixture over the partially baked crust.
- In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the berries burst and the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). If you like, stir in fresh lemon zest.
- Dollop the blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife to gently swirl for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, until the center is just set. Cool in the pan to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
- Slice with a sharp knife and store in the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep the bars fresh.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (includes chilling)