Tangy-Sweet Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Whipping up a decadent lemon blueberry cheesecake bars treat promises pure culinary magic.

Sweet-tart berries dance perfectly with creamy cream cheese layers.

Tangy citrus notes brighten each delightful bite.

Soft, crumbly graham cracker bases provide delicious texture contrasts.

Seasonal blueberries bring vibrant color and natural sweetness to this dessert.

Summer gatherings deserve something spectacular like these elegant bars.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bar Blend

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter: A classic combination for a buttery, sweet foundation that provides a delightful crunch and holds the cheesecake bars together.

• Cream Cheese: The rich, smooth base that creates the creamy texture of the cheesecake bars.
• Eggs: Helps bind the filling and provides structure to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the tangy cream cheese.

• Fresh Blueberries: Juicy bursts of natural sweetness that add color and fruity flavor to the bars.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness and add a zesty freshness.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that adds a delicate sweetness and elegant finish to the bars.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Prep Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 325°F.

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a sandy texture.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact base.

Step 3: Bake the Crust Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.

Remove and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly combined.

Step 5: Fold in Fruity Bursts

Gently fold fresh blueberries into the creamy mixture, being careful not to crush them.

This will create delightful pockets of fruit throughout the bars.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the blueberry-studded filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates it’s perfectly set.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours to firm up and develop their rich flavor.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges.

Slice into neat squares.

For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.

Cheesecake Bars That Show Off Your Pro Skills

• Toss fresh blueberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the cheesecake mixture to stop them from sinking and bleeding color.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps in your cheesecake bars.
• Chill the bars thoroughly and use a hot, clean knife wiped between each slice for perfectly neat edges.
• Zest an extra lemon and sprinkle some zest on top before serving to enhance the bright citrus notes.
• Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the perfect creamy consistency.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Warming And Storing Guide

• Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing them from drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to slowly defrost and maintain their creamy consistency.
• Remove bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let them soften slightly and enhance their delicious taste.

Great Pairings for Lemon Blueberry Bars

• Pair Sparkling Citrus Cocktail: Create a light, zesty cocktail with prosecco, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of blueberry liqueur to complement the cheesecake's tangy and sweet profile.
• Recommend Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a delicate Earl Grey tea with lavender notes that enhance the dessert's citrusy undertones and provide a sophisticated, refreshing contrast.
• Serve Fresh Berry Sorbet: Offer a small scoop of blueberry or lemon sorbet alongside the bars to intensify the fruity flavors and cleanse the palate with a cool, smooth texture.
• Drizzle Honey Whipped Cream: Top the cheesecake bars with a dollop of honey-infused whipped cream that adds a light, airy sweetness and complements the dessert's creamy consistency.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Mix-Ups

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Use aquafaba or commercial egg replacer instead of eggs. Choose plant-based butter for the crust to create a completely dairy-free dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the dessert's delicious flavor profile. Use fewer blueberries to cut down on natural fruit sugars.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Create a nut-based crust using crushed pecans or almonds. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Use full-fat cream cheese and limit blueberry quantity to keep carbohydrate count low.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the bars.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking?

To minimize cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a consistent temperature, and let the bars cool gradually by turning off the oven and leaving the door slightly open after baking.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars from the pan and ensures clean, neat slices. If you don’t have parchment paper, generously grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These lemon blueberry cheesecake bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for advance party or potluck planning.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Offer A Bursting Flavor Experience

• Savor Quick Dessert Bliss: Effortless lemon blueberry cheesecake bars deliver maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a delightful treat.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Incredibly simple recipe requiring only 15 minutes of active preparation time, ensuring even novice bakers can create a professional-looking dessert without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for multiple occasions like summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual family desserts, these bars offer a refreshing twist on traditional cheesecake with bright citrus and sweet blueberry notes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a stress-free option for entertaining or weekly meal planning without sacrificing taste quality.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Lemon blueberry cheesecake bars blend zesty citrus with sweet berries in a creamy, irresistible dessert. Smooth cream cheese layers meet a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for topping)

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 325°F and positioning a rack in the center, ensuring even heat distribution.
2. Create a sturdy foundation by mixing graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
3. Toast the crust in the preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden, then allow it to cool and solidify completely.
4. Craft the creamy filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.
5. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform texture.
6. Infuse the mixture with bright citrus notes by gently stirring in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla extract.
7. Carefully fold fresh blueberries into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly without crushing the delicate fruits.
8. Pour the blueberry-studded filling over the cooled crust, ensuring a level surface for consistent baking.
9. Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-35 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking.
11. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set and develop a rich, dense texture.
12. Before serving, optionally dust the surface with a delicate veil of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Gently fold blueberries to prevent color bleeding and maintain distinct fruit pockets throughout the cheesecake bars.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother cream cheese mixture and prevent lumpy texture, so let cream cheese and eggs sit out 30 minutes before mixing.
• Prevent cracking by avoiding overmixing and baking in a water bath, which creates gentle, even heat distribution for a silky-smooth cheesecake texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg