Description
Creamy lemon blueberry cheesecake bars blend tangy citrus with sweet berries in a delightful dessert. Crumbly graham cracker crust and silky filling create a perfect balance of flavors for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (60 ml)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter (113 g), melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F and line a baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish to create a compact crust layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool completely.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky and uniform in texture, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and no lumps remain.
- Carefully fold fresh blueberries into the cheesecake mixture, distributing them gently to prevent breaking.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350F, checking for a slightly firm center and minimal jiggling when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Customize the crust by replacing graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed oats for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prevent blueberries from sinking by tossing them lightly in flour before folding into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the bars.
- Control moisture by using fresh blueberries and patting them dry to avoid excess liquid that could make the bars soggy.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding a small pinch of lemon zest on top of the bars just before serving for an extra citrusy burst.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg