Ah, Blueberry Cheesecake Bars! Let me tell you, these little squares of heaven hold a special place in my heart—and tummy! I first discovered this recipe during a summer family reunion, where my aunt Linda served them as dessert. I watched as everyone’s eyes lit up, and soon my plate became a haven for soon-to-be devoured blueberry delights. The combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh blueberries, and a crumbly topping is simply irresistible. In fact, I still get requests from family members to whip up a batch whenever we gather.
What I love most about these bars is how versatile they are; you can enjoy them in summer when blueberries are at their peak or with frozen blueberries in the winter, bringing a taste of sunshine to those chilly days. So let’s dive in and create some sweet memories together!
What’s in Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of our crust, they add that lovely crunch and subtly sweet flavor. I usually go for the classic brand; you can’t go wrong with good old-fashioned graham crackers!
Unsalted Butter: This ingredient brings richness and binds the crust together. Always prefer unsalted that way, you can control the saltiness of the final product.
Granulated Sugar: A must-have for sweetness, we use this in both the crust and cheesecake filling. I like to use organic sugar when I can increase the flavor profile just a tad!
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! A softened block of cream cheese creates that rich and creamy filling we all love. Seriously, nothing beats a good cream cheese for a smooth texture.
Eggs: They help bind everything together and contribute to the creamy consistency of the cheesecake. I always go for large eggs—you can never have enough egg-cellent recipes!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this fragrant extract and I’m already in cream cheese heaven! It adds a warm, familiar flavor to the cheesecake.
Sour Cream: You might be wondering why we add sour cream, but trust me! It adds a tangy depth and helps the cheesecake stay rich but light.
Blueberries: Whether fresh or frozen, these little gems bring the tart sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. I prefer picking fresh berries when they’re in season; there’s a certain joy in foraging.
Cornstarch: Just a little helps thicken up the blueberry topping so it doesn’t get too runny.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of brightness! It balances the sweetness from the blueberries beautifully.
Old-Fashioned Oats: A surprise ingredient in the crumble topping! They add texture and heartiness, and I just can’t resist that satisfying crunch.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the crumble together while keeping it light.
Brown Sugar: This adds a slight caramel flavor to the crumble topping. When I can, I like to use light brown sugar—it adds an extra dimension of flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
Chopped Pecans: Optional, but they give an extra delightful crunch. I toss them in when I’m feeling a bit nutty!
Is Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Now, while I wouldn’t call these cheesecake bars a health food, they do have some redeeming qualities!
Blueberries: These little blue beauties are packed with antioxidants—great for eye health and may even help with memory. Not to mention they’re low in calories, making them the star of the show.
Cream Cheese: While a source of fat, it also contains protein, which can help keep you full longer.
Oats: The crumble topping has oats that are full of fiber, beneficial for digestion. And lower cholesterol? Yes, please!
That said, you’ll want to enjoy these decadently rich bars in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake. So grab a neighbor or a friend, and share the love (and calories)!
Ingredients
– For the Crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– For the Cheesecake Filling:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup sour cream
– For the Blueberry Topping:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– For the Crumble Topping:
– 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup brown sugar
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
*Serves 9-12 bars, depending on how generous you are with your slicing!*
How to Make Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. **Prepare the Crust**: In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. **Make the Cheesecake Filling**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until the mixture is smooth.
4. **Prepare the Blueberry Mixture**: In a medium bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the blueberries.
5. **Assemble the Bars**: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan. Evenly distribute the blueberry mixture on top of the cheesecake.
6. **Prepare the Crumble Topping**: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the blueberry layer.
7. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the crumble topping is golden brown.
8. **Cool and Serve**: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy your Blueberry Cheesecake Bars!
Sweet Tips and Extra Twists!
– **Berry Options**: Not a fan of blueberries? No problem! You can swap them out for raspberries, strawberries, or even cherries. Just adjust the sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of the fruits you choose.
– **Gluten-Free Version**: If you or someone you know needs to avoid gluten, swap the graham cracker crumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives. There are some great gluten-free graham cracker options and flour blends out there!
– **Add a Drizzle**: Try drizzling some chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving for a beautiful finishing touch!
I hope you enjoy making these delightful Blueberry Cheesecake Bars as much as I do! They’re perfect for any occasion or just because you want something sweet. Trust me, they won’t last long, and you’ll be sure to have people asking for the recipe. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so drop me a note when you make them! Happy baking!
