Heavenly Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy

Crafting delectable blueberry cream cheese bars promises a delightful culinary adventure that will sweep you off your feet.

Sweet bursts of fruit mingle with rich, velvety cream cheese in this irresistible treat.

Soft, pillowy layers create a dreamy dessert that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Baking enthusiasts and casual snackers alike will fall head over heels for this simple yet impressive recipe.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum flavor, making these bars a perfect go-to dessert for any occasion.

Preparation takes just minutes, leaving you more time to savor each decadent bite.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure bliss in every single square.

Why Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Are So Irresistible

• Simplify Dessert Prep: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced home cooks.
• Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a brunch, potluck, or just craving a delightful dessert, these bars fit seamlessly into any event, offering a delicious and elegant touch.
• Customize with Ease: Feel free to swap blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or strawberries, making this recipe adaptable to your taste preferences and seasonal availability.

Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a crunchy foundation for the dessert bar.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers a smooth, tangy base for the creamy layer of the dessert.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Egg: Helps set the filling and provides structure to the cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Blueberries: Fresh berries that add a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the bars.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Crunchy Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter.

Press this delicious mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid, delectable foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until they become silky smooth.

Add one egg and a splash of vanilla extract.

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks perfectly combined and irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Spread The Dreamy Layer

Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.

Use a spatula to ensure it covers every inch of the base with a luxurious, even layer.

Step 5: Scatter Burst Of Blueberries

Generously sprinkle fresh blueberries across the top of the cream cheese layer.

These little blue gems will add bursts of fruity flavor throughout the bars.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling sets and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

Step 7: Cool And Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, slice into neat squares and get ready to enjoy a heavenly treat.

Pro Tips for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Pat graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid, crisp base that won't get mushy under the cream cheese layer.
• Gently scatter blueberries across the surface to ensure each bar gets a balanced amount of fruity goodness.
• Look for a slightly jiggly center with golden edges to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the creamy filling.
• Let cream cheese and egg sit out beforehand to blend smoothly and create a silkier texture.
• Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Variations on Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with a flax egg or silken tofu.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and opt for fresh or frozen blueberries with no added sugar.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from almonds or coconut, and use plant-based butter for the crust.

Serving Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Brunch Bliss: Serve these bars alongside a fresh fruit salad and light mimosas for a delightful weekend gathering.
• Summer Picnic Treat: Pack these bars in a portable container for outdoor events, perfect for sharing with friends at parks or beach trips.
• Dessert Elegance: Plate the bars with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh blueberries for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Coffee Companion: Pair with a hot cappuccino or cold brew for a delicious afternoon snack that satisfies sweet cravings.

Storage Tips for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Store cooled blueberry cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire pan in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.
• For optimal texture and flavor, consume chilled directly from the refrigerator. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing to maintain the bars' quality and prevent moisture loss.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before adding to the recipe to prevent excess moisture.

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

The cream cheese layer is done when it looks set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be lightly golden and the center should look firm.

• What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Full-fat block cream cheese works best. Avoid using low-fat or whipped cream cheese, as they can affect the texture and stability of the bars.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or ground gluten-free cookies to create the crust.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Indulgent blueberry cream cheese bars combine creamy texture with bursting berry sweetness, creating a delightful dessert that delights taste buds. Sweet and tangy layers meld perfectly, offering you a simple yet elegant treat perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Binding/Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Base/Structure Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s bottom to create a solid foundation.
3. Whip cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl until velvety and uniform, then incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending until thoroughly integrated.
4. Distribute the cream cheese mixture uniformly across the graham cracker base, ensuring an even layer.
5. Generously scatter fresh blueberries across the cream cheese surface, allowing them to rest gently on top.
6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the filling stabilizes and the edges develop a golden-brown hue.
7. Remove from oven and allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the bars set and makes clean cutting easier.
8. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into neat squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Choose fresh or frozen blueberries for optimal flavor and texture in the bars, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the cream cheese layer.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy filling that blends seamlessly.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars, allowing for neat presentation and simple serving.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 204 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 93 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg