Looking for a dessert that’s both creamy and fruity? These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect treat! A buttery, soft crust is topped with a rich and smooth cream cheese layer, followed by a sweet blueberry topping. The combination of tangy cream cheese and the fresh, juicy blueberries creates a delightful balance of flavors. These bars are easy to make and perfect for serving at a summer gathering, holiday, or as a special treat to enjoy at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate dessert for blueberry lovers. The creamy, smooth filling pairs perfectly with the sweet, tangy blueberries, and the buttery crust adds a satisfying texture. This dessert is great for parties, potlucks, or any time you want to indulge in a delicious, yet simple treat. With only a few ingredients, you can create an impressive dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery. They’re refreshing, creamy, and packed with fruity goodness!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Blueberry Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese layer.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and flour, and mix until fully combined. The filling should be thick and creamy.

5. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust. Spread it into an even layer and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.

For the Blueberry Topping:

6. Make the Blueberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries begin to soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Assembly and Final Bake:

7. Add the Blueberry Topping: Once the cream cheese layer is set and the crust is baked, pour the blueberry topping over the cream cheese filling and spread it evenly.

8. Final Baking: Return the bars to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the blueberry topping is bubbly and the filling is fully set.

9. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares. This allows the layers to firm up and makes them easier to cut.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 bars

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Different Berries: Feel free to use other berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, in place of blueberries.

• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: These bars are best served chilled, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave if you prefer them at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the topping.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time. They actually taste better after being refrigerated for a few hours, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

3. Can I make the crust with graham crackers instead of flour?

Yes, you can make a graham cracker crust by replacing the flour with crushed graham crackers and adjusting the sugar accordingly. This will give the bars a slightly different texture but a delicious flavor.

4. Can I skip the blueberry topping?

If you prefer, you can skip the blueberry topping and serve the bars with fresh blueberries on top instead. Alternatively, you can use other fruit toppings like a fruit compote or jam.

5. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Once they are fully set, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version. The texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.

7. How do I cut these bars neatly?

For clean slices, let the bars cool completely and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts to avoid sticky edges.

8. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the cream cheese filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. The blueberry topping should also be bubbly but not runny.

9. Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes, for added texture and flavor, you can top the bars with a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon before baking. This will add a nice crunch to the top.

10. Can I add more sugar to the cream cheese layer?

You can increase the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling to make it sweeter if desired, but be careful not to make it too sweet since the blueberry topping will add its own sweetness.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors. With a smooth cream cheese layer, a buttery crust, and a sweet blueberry topping, these bars are an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply enjoying them at home, they’re the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!

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