Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household: Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. These delicious bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat to brighten up your week. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort, making them a great choice for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Great for making ahead and storing
- Ideal for both casual and special occasions
- Combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the freshness of blueberries
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Bars:
- 9 full graham crackers, crushed to make 1 1/4 cups (125g) crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar (25g)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (56g)
- 16 ounces cream cheese (450g) at room temperature, full-fat block variety
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60ml)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen (225g, about 8 ounces)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (98g)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold (85g)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think!
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal after baking.
Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and lemon zest. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let it cool slightly before proceeding.
Cheesecake Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth out the top.
Blueberry Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the blueberries, brown sugar, and flour. Gently pour this mixture over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly.
Baking
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking to ensure a creamy texture. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- For a crisper crust, bake it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter to prevent cracking.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan to avoid breaking when cutting.
- Consider using a no-bake cheesecake recipe for a lighter version.
How to Serve
Once the bars have chilled, cut them into squares and serve. You can enjoy them as they are or add a few fresh blueberries on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. They’re also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
These bars are perfect for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
There you have it—a simple and delicious recipe for Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Bars that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic cheesecake or looking for a new dessert idea, this recipe is a must-try. Don’t forget to check out our other blueberry cheesecake recipes, like the Best Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe and the Best No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake, for more inspiration. Happy baking! 🍰
Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese full-fat block variety
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest finely grated
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cold
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. Mix until combined.
- Spread the filling over the crust. Top with blueberries and sprinkle with brown sugar and flour mixture.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars and serving.
