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Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

by Cutsfood
Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Imagine biting into a bar that’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet with a burst of fresh blueberries in every bite. These Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a dessert lover’s dream, combining the rich flavors of cheesecake with the freshness of blueberries, all in a convenient bar form.

There’s something magical about the way these bars come together. The buttery crust is topped with a luscious cream cheese layer that’s swirled with juicy blueberries, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress at a gathering or just craving something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars are the answer.

The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these bars and have them baking in the oven in no time. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Resume of the recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:

These Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tart burst of blueberries. With a buttery crust and a smooth, tangy filling, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also simple to make. In just a few steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re making them for a party or just because, these bars are sure to impress.

Exciting Story:

These Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars have quickly become a family favorite in our house. The first time I made them, it was for a weekend gathering, and I wanted to bring something that looked as good as it tasted. As I pulled them out of the oven, the swirls of blueberry through the cream cheese layer looked almost too good to eat. But of course, we had to try them, and they were an instant hit!

My husband, who isn’t usually a big dessert fan, went back for seconds, and the kids were licking their fingers clean. Since then, these bars have become a go-to dessert, especially in the summer when blueberries are at their peak. They’re also perfect for potlucks or picnics because they’re easy to transport and share. Every time I make them, they disappear in no time, and I’m always asked for the recipe.

Why These Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  • Creamy and Tangy: Combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of blueberries.
  • Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a fast and delicious dessert.
  • Beautiful Presentation: The marbled effect of the blueberry swirl makes these bars visually stunning.
  • Versatile: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

How to Make Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the Crust:
    • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the Blueberries:
    • Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Swirl and Bake:
    • If you want a marbled effect, you can drop a few extra blueberries on top and swirl them with a knife. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
  6. Chill and Serve:
    • Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and serve.

Tips For Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix the filling just until smooth to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
  • Chill Completely: For clean slices, make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled before cutting.

Substitutions and Variations:

  • Crust Options: Swap the graham cracker crust for a shortbread or vanilla wafer crust.
  • Mixed Berries: Use a mix of berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy note.

Make a Healthier Version:

  • Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories.
  • Greek Yogurt: Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and fewer calories.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.

Closing in Todd Wilbur Style:

And there you have it! A delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Don’t forget to let us know how your bars turned out, and be sure to check out more of our simple and satisfying dessert recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
    • Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
  2. How do I store leftovers?
    • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  3. Can I freeze these bars?
    • Yes, freeze the bars in a single layer and then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
  4. What can I use instead of graham crackers?
    • You can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even a cookie crust.
  5. Can I use other fruits?
    • Absolutely! Try strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.
  6. How can I prevent the crust from crumbling?
    • Make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan and bake it long enough to set.
  7. Why did my bars crack?
    • Overmixing the filling or overbaking can cause cracks. Mix until smooth and bake just until set.
  8. Can I add a topping?
    • A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream would be a great addition.
  9. Can I use a different pan size?
    • Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will make thinner bars, while a smaller pan will make thicker bars.
  10. What’s the best way to cut these bars?
    • Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts for the cleanest slices.

Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Christmas, Dessert, Occasions, Snacks, Weight watchers
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Crust:
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • For the Filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup sour cream

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Directions

  • Preheat and Prepare:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  • Make the Crust:
  • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
  • Prepare the Filling:
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the Blueberries:
  • Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
  • Swirl and Bake:
  • If you want a marbled effect, you can drop a few extra blueberries on top and swirl them with a knife. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
  • Chill and Serve:
  • Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and serve.

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