These Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a yummy treat! With a creamy cheese layer and sweet blueberries on top, they are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
Trust me, the combination of cream cheese and blueberries is simply delightful! Perfect for snack time, and they’re super easy to make — just mix, bake, and enjoy! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are key for the crust! If you don’t have them, you can make your own by crushing digestive biscuits or using vanilla wafer cookies for a twist!
Cream Cheese: Look for full-fat cream cheese for a rich filling. If you’re dairy-free, you can try a vegan cream cheese alternative. It works well too!
Granulated Sugar: You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet treat. Alternatively, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a healthier option.
Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for this, but if they’re not in season, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but you could use margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Cream Cheese Smoothly?
Getting the cream cheese creamy is crucial! Start with soft, room-temperature cream cheese – this makes a big difference.
- Beat it on medium speed with a mixer until it’s smooth.
- Add the sugar gradually while mixing to help break it down further.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each.
This gentle mixing helps to keep the filling light and fluffy without overmixing, which can cause cracks when baking!
Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
For The Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
How Much Time Do You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes of baking time. Plus, don’t forget to let the bars cool for a bit before you cut into them! Overall, set aside about an hour for baking and cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, or grease it lightly so your bars don’t stick. We want every bit of this deliciousness!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and the melted butter. Use a fork to mix it well until it looks crumbly. Then, press that mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a nice, flat crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, then take it out and let it cool a bit.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the 2/3 cup of sugar, and continue to beat until it’s well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Lastly, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the Blueberries:
Gently fold the fresh blueberries into your creamy mixture. Be careful not to mash them; you want those lovely blueberries intact!
5. Combine It All:
Pour the blueberry cream cheese filling over your cooled crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to make sure every bite is equally delicious.
6. Make the Crumb Topping:
For the crumb topping, mix the 1/4 cup of flour and 2 tablespoons of sugar together in a small bowl. Then, add the cold butter pieces, and use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Just sprinkle this topping evenly over the blueberry cream cheese layer.
7. Bake:
Slide that pan back into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping has a golden color. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take the pan out and let it cool completely on a wire rack. After it cools, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Cut into bars and enjoy! Make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your delicious and easy blueberry cream cheese bars! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ About Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to thaw them first, then drain off any excess moisture to prevent the filling from being too watery. Frozen berries will work just as well and still give you that delightful flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also use plant-based butter in the crust and topping. Just ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free as well!
What Can I Serve With These Bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Fresh berries on the side also make a lovely accompaniment!
