Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delicious treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of fresh blueberries. These bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, picnic, or just a sweet snack at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars is a great choice because they are quick to prepare and require simple ingredients. The balance between the creamy filling and the crumbly crust makes each bite enjoyable. Plus, the bright blueberries add a pop of color and flavor, making these bars a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields delicious results.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter to create a crumble mixture. Reserve half for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and fold in blueberries gently.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust and sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can cut them into squares and serve them on a platter. They are great as a dessert or a sweet snack with tea or coffee.
How to Store Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
To store Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Gently fold the blueberries into the cream cheese mixture to avoid breaking them.
- You can substitute other fruits like raspberries or strawberries if you wish.
Variation
For a different flavor, you can add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture or swap the blueberries for chopped nuts or chocolate chips. This gives you a chance to customize the bars to your taste!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives to make the recipe dairy-free.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on them to ensure they are set before taking them out of the oven.
Now you have a simple and delicious recipe for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars. Enjoy baking and sharing them with your friends and family!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it’s at room temperature.
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh blueberries Can use frozen blueberries if thawed and drained.
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter to create a crumble mixture. Reserve half for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
Making the Filling
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and gently fold in blueberries.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust and sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.
Baking
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.