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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 325°F and positioning a rack in the center, ensuring even heat distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- Craft the creamy filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.
- Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform texture.
- Infuse the mixture with bright citrus notes by gently stirring in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla extract.
- Carefully fold fresh blueberries into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly without crushing the delicate fruits.
- Pour the blueberry-studded filling over the cooled crust, ensuring a level surface for consistent baking.
- Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-35 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set and develop a rich, dense texture.
- 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