Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

If you’re a fan of creamy cheesecake and fruity desserts, blueberry cheesecake bars are the perfect sweet treat. They combine the smooth, rich texture of cheesecake with the bright, tangy sweetness of blueberries. Best of all, they’re baked in a convenient bar form, making them easy to serve at parties, gatherings, or even as a special family dessert.

These bars feature three irresistible layers: a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a swirl of juicy blueberry topping. Each bite is creamy, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of crunch from the crust.

Unlike a traditional cheesecake, which can be heavy and time-consuming, cheesecake bars are simple to prepare and bake much faster. They cut neatly into squares, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or a make-ahead dessert.

Cooking Time and Serving

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Cooling/Chilling Time: 2–3 hours
• Total Time: About 3 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12–16 bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Blueberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

How to Make Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
4. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Blueberry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, add blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until berries start to release juices.
2. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until mixture thickens (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Swirl and Bake

1. Drop spoonfuls of blueberry topping over the cheesecake layer.
2. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the topping into the batter.
3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

1. Let the bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight, before cutting into squares.

Notes

• Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen blueberries can be used (do not thaw before cooking).
• For extra flavor, add a hint of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! They actually taste better when chilled overnight.

Q: Can I use a different crust?

Absolutely. Try crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even Oreo cookies for a twist.

Q: Do I need to use a water bath like traditional cheesecake?

No, cheesecake bars don’t require a water bath, which makes them simpler to prepare.

Q: Can I substitute the blueberries?

Yes, raspberries, blackberries, or even strawberries make great alternatives.

Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 16 bars)