Simple & Sweet Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Sweet summer memories flood back with these irresistible blueberry cream cheese bars that combine tangy richness and fruity brightness.

Juicy berries nestle between creamy layers of soft cheese and buttery crust.

Delicate crumbles give way to a luscious filling that melts on your tongue.

Soft whispers of vanilla dance alongside bright bursts of blueberry goodness.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feel both comforting and exciting.

Weekend baking never looked so delicious – these bars will make you the star of any gathering.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars for Berry Lovers

• Burst with Fruity Freshness: Blueberries and lemon combine to create a vibrant, tangy dessert that brings a burst of summer flavor to your plate.
• Craft a Simple Showstopper: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers looking to impress without complicated techniques.
• Prep with Ease: No fancy equipment needed – just a mixing bowl, baking dish, and basic ingredients to create a delightful dessert that looks professionally made.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These bars are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, appealing to both kids and adults with their sweet and zesty profile.

Pantry List for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and base for the bar's foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky base with a delicate buttery taste.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers a smooth, tangy base that creates a creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the cream cheese layer and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cream cheese mixture.

• Fresh Blueberries: Provides a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Granulated Sugar, Cornstarch: Work together to create a thick, glossy blueberry sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a subtle citrusy aroma and depth to the topping.

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Create a crunchy, textured layer.
• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Add warmth and complex sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crumb topping and adds richness.

How to Create Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Buttery Crust

Mix together flour, sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add cold cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes completely smooth. Add an egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is perfectly blended.

Pour this silky cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Cook Blueberry Sauce

• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

The sauce will thicken and blueberries will soften within 5-7 minutes. Let the sauce cool slightly, then gently spoon it across the cream cheese layer.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

• Flour
• Oats
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Cut in cold butter until the mixture forms small crumbly pieces. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the blueberry layer.

Step 6: Final Baking

Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes. The cream cheese layer should look set, and the crumb topping should turn a beautiful golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Tips for Better Baking

• Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting for clean, precise slices that showcase beautiful layers.
• Swap fresh blueberries with frozen ones during off-season, but drain excess liquid to prevent soggy bars.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and easy cleanup after baking.
• Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Try These Twists with Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars: Swap blueberries with fresh raspberries for a tangy, vibrant flavor profile. Use raspberry jam or fresh raspberry compote as the fruit layer.
• Lemon Blueberry Bars: Increase lemon zest and add extra lemon juice to the blueberry topping. Incorporate lemon extract into the cream cheese layer for a bright, citrusy undertone.
• Gluten-Free Blueberry Bars: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Blueberry Bars: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, replace egg with flax egg, and substitute butter with coconut oil. Choose plant-based ingredients to maintain similar texture and taste.

Serving Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars at Any Gathering

• Blueberry Cream Cheese Bar Serving Ideas
• Brunch Delight: Slice bars into elegant triangles and arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint sprigs. Pair with lavender tea or mimosas for a sophisticated weekend gathering.
• Sweet Picnic Treat: Pack individual squares in parchment paper for outdoor adventures. Wrap tightly and store in a cooler for a refreshing dessert during park outings or beach trips.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust bars with powdered sugar and garnish with whole fresh blueberries. Serve on white ceramic plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a light drizzle of honey.
• Breakfast Accompaniment: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve alongside morning coffee. Complement with Greek yogurt and additional fresh blueberries for a balanced breakfast experience.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Storage That Works

• Store blueberry cream cheese bars in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
• When storing multiple bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the delicate crumb topping. This method keeps the bars looking fresh and prevents them from breaking apart.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just thaw and drain them well before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the topping.

• How do I know when the cream cheese layer is fully set?

The cream cheese layer is set when it looks firm and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It should have a slightly puffy appearance without looking wet.

• What can I do if my crust doesn't hold together well?

Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. If it’s too crumbly, you can add a tiny bit more melted butter to help it bind better.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible blueberry cream cheese bars combine tangy cream cheese with sweet summer berries in a perfect dessert. Creamy layers and buttery crust promise a delightful treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture transforms into coarse, crumbly texture.
2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan, creating an even base layer. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes until the crust achieves a delicate golden hue.
3. Whip softened cream cheese with sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Integrate egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and integrated.
4. Cascade the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
5. Construct the blueberry topping by combining blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and blueberries soften.
6. Allow the blueberry compote to cool slightly, then delicately spoon it across the cream cheese layer, creating an appealing marbled effect.
7. For the optional crumb topping, merge flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture develops a crumbly consistency.
8. Scatter the crumb topping generously over the blueberry layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350F. The bars are ready when the cream cheese layer sets and the crumb topping turns a rich golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into precise squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is cold when making the crust for a flakier, more tender base that crumbles perfectly.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a silky, lump-free filling that spreads evenly.
• Blind bake the crust briefly to create a protective barrier against moisture from the cream cheese and blueberry layers.
• Swap fresh blueberries with frozen ones, but don’t thaw them first to prevent excess liquid and maintain the topping’s consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 89 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg