Description
Delightful lemon blueberry cheesecake bars blend tangy citrus with sweet berries in a creamy, irresistible dessert. Silky layers of rich cheesecake and juicy blueberries create a perfect summer treat you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Topping:
- 1 cup (150 grams) fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
- Using an electric mixer, cream together cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Gently pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust.
- Scatter fresh blueberries evenly across the surface of the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to ensure bars are firm and easily sliceable.
- Lift out of pan using parchment paper edges, cut into square bars, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Chill the cream cheese beforehand to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake mixture that blends perfectly.
- Gently fold blueberries into the top layer to prevent them from sinking completely into the batter.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust.
- Enhance the lemon flavor by adding a light lemon glaze or zest sprinkle on top of the cooled bars for an extra citrusy kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg