Description
Luscious blueberry cream cheese bars deliver a perfect harmony of tangy cream cheese and sweet summer berries. Rich, creamy layers melt together, promising pure dessert bliss that will delight you from the first delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping:
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Mix flour and sugar in a bowl, then pour in melted butter, stirring until a loose, sandy texture forms.
- Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a compact base.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color, then remove and let cool slightly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the partially cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a consistent layer.
- Distribute fresh blueberries across the cream cheese surface, ensuring an even scattering of fruit.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the filling to set and become slightly firm with minimal jiggle.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize and makes cutting easier.
- Once cooled, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the crust to maintain a light, crumbly texture that crumbles perfectly when biting.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free filling that spreads evenly across the base.
- Gently fold blueberries into the cream cheese layer to prevent them from sinking and ensure even distribution throughout the bars.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg