Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Quick Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Delight

Sweet summer memories flood back whenever I whip up these delectable blueberry cream cheese bars that blend tangy richness with fruity brightness.

Fresh berries dance through creamy layers of smooth cheese filling.

Soft, buttery graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch beneath each decadent bite.

Clusters of ripe blueberries burst with natural sweetness against the velvety backdrop.

Simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, making this dessert a breeze for novice bakers.

Elegant enough for special occasions yet easy to assemble, these bars will become your new go-to treat.

You’ll impress everyone at the next gathering with this irresistible summer dessert.

Storage Recommendations for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  • Wrap the blueberry cream cheese bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring complete sealing to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight, maintaining their texture and flavor integrity.
  • Take bars out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their creamy texture.

FAQs

  • How can I prevent the blueberries from sinking into the cream cheese layer?

Toss the blueberries in flour before adding them to the filling. This light coating helps the berries stay suspended in the cream cheese layer during baking.

  • Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just don’t thaw them first, and add them directly from the freezer to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape.

  • What if I don't have graham crackers for the crust?

Substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies. These alternatives provide a similar texture and flavor to the original crust.

What Makes Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Special

  • Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine tropical coconut and zesty lime in a single pan for an exciting meal that delivers bold, restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques.
  • Master Simple Cooking Technique: Create a gourmet-style dish using basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their culinary confidence with minimal cooking steps.
  • Enjoy Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe works great for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.
  • Boost Nutritional Profile: Protein-packed chicken meets creamy coconut sauce, offering a balanced meal that feels indulgent while providing essential nutrients and satisfying hunger.

Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the bars.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.
For the Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base that gives the bars their creamy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
  • Large Egg: Helps set the filling and provides structure to the cream cheese layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cream cheese.
For the Topping and Finishing:
  • Fresh Blueberries: Adds a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color to the bars.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps coat the blueberries and prevents them from sinking into the filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness to the blueberry topping.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the baking pan.

How to Bake Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Craft The Buttery Crust

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F. Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs.

Melt some butter until it’s silky smooth. Mix the cracker crumbs with melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar.

Press this delightful mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 8 minutes until lightly golden.

Let the crust cool down and rest.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

Take your cream cheese and beat it until it’s velvety and free of lumps.

Add sugar and blend until perfectly smooth. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla extract.

Mix everything until it’s beautifully combined. Gently spread this luscious mixture over the cooled crust, making sure it’s even and reaches all the corners.

Step 3: Scatter Blueberry Magic

In a separate bowl, toss fresh blueberries with a light dusting of flour and sugar. This helps prevent them from sinking and keeps them suspended in the creamy layer.

Sprinkle these jewel-like berries across the cream cheese surface.

Step 4: Bake And Chill

Slide the pan back into the 350F oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling sets and looks slightly firm. Remove and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least an hour. This helps the bars firm up and makes cutting easier.

Step 5: Slice And Serve

Remove from the refrigerator and lift out using the parchment paper. Slice into neat squares.

Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of your homemade blueberry cream cheese bars.

Tips for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  • Ensure graham cracker crust is firmly pressed to create a solid base that won't crumble when cutting bars.
  • Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends easily.
  • Gently fold blueberries into flour mixture to prevent them from sinking and distribute evenly across the cream cheese layer.
  • Chill bars completely before slicing for clean, neat cuts and to help filling set properly.
  • Use fresh or frozen blueberries, but if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture.

Variations to Try with Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  • Raspberry Swirl Bars: Replace blueberries with raspberry preserves and swirl into cream cheese filling using a knife before baking for a tangy fruit twist.
  • Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add lemon zest to cream cheese mixture and sprinkle fresh lemon juice over blueberries for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
  • Nutty Crumble Topping: Mix chopped almonds or pecans with graham cracker crust and sprinkle extra nuts on top of blueberries for added crunch and texture.
  • Chocolate Chip Variation: Fold mini chocolate chips into cream cheese filling and drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars for an indulgent dessert option.

Serving Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  • Summer Picnic Delight: Pack these blueberry cream cheese bars in a cute container for a refreshing outdoor treat. Wrap individually in parchment paper for easy sharing at beach gatherings or park picnics.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve chilled bars on a white ceramic plate. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Drizzle a light honey or berry coulis for an elevated presentation.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries and whipped cream. Create a casual, inviting display perfect for weekend brunches or morning gatherings with friends.
  • Coffee Companion: Slice bars into smaller bite-sized pieces. Pair with a warm cappuccino or cold brew coffee for a delightful afternoon snack that balances sweet and creamy flavors.
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Delightful blueberry cream cheese bars showcase summer’s sweetest flavors with creamy richness. Buttery graham cracker crust and luscious blueberry filling create irresistible dessert magic you’ll savor to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup blueberries (fresh)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse, moist sand.
  3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 8 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  6. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, blending until fully integrated and velvety.
  7. Gently spread the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust, creating an even, uniform layer.
  8. Toss fresh blueberries with flour and sugar in a small bowl, coating them lightly to prevent sinking during baking.
  9. Distribute the flour-coated blueberries evenly across the cream cheese surface, creating a vibrant, scattered topping.
  10. Return the pan to the 350F (175C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling sets and becomes slightly firm.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  12. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into neat squares for serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free filling that blends easily and creates a silky texture.
  • Gently fold blueberries into the flour-sugar mixture to prevent crushing and maintain their whole, juicy appearance in the bars.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper overhanging on sides for effortless removal and clean cutting of bars without sticking.
  • Chill bars thoroughly to help them set and develop a firmer, more sliceable consistency that holds its shape perfectly when served.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 174 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 64 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 34 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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