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- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 cup fresh blueberries - 1 cup fresh blueberries - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon cornstarch Making these blueberry lemon cheesecake bars starts with gathering your ingredients. You want to have everything ready to go. For the crust, you will need graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. These three items create a tasty base. Combine them well, so the crumbs soak up the butter and sugar. For the filling, cream cheese is key. You will also need more sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh blueberries. This filling is rich and creamy. The lemon adds a bright taste. Finally, for the topping, you will need more fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. These ingredients will create a sweet and shiny layer for your bars. When you have all your ingredients, you can start making this delightful treat. It is fresh and flavorful, perfect for any occasion. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a bowl, mix 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. - Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool. - In a clean bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth. - Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. - Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries, being careful not to break them. - Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is no longer jiggly. - As the cheesecake bakes, prepare the topping. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh blueberries, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch over medium heat. Cook until bubbly and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. - Use fresh graham cracker crumbs for best flavor. Fresh crumbs give a rich taste. - Let the crust cool before adding filling for a better texture. Cooling stops the crust from getting soggy. - Beat cream cheese until fully softened to avoid lumps. Soft cream cheese blends easily for smooth filling. - Don't overmix the cheesecake batter once eggs are added. Mix just enough to combine, keeping it fluffy. - Add additional lemon zest for more citrus flavor. Extra zest brightens the taste and aroma. - Substitute other berries for a mixed berry topping. Raspberries or strawberries can add new, fun flavors. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and helps prevent lumps in your cheesecake filling. Don’t Overmix the Filling: When adding the eggs and folding in the blueberries, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake as it cools. Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture and flavor, allow the cheesecake bars to chill for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator. Overnight is even better for a firmer set. Fresh Blueberries Are Best: Use fresh blueberries for both the filling and topping. They provide the best flavor and texture, but if you must use frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture. {{image_2}} You can make these bars even more fun by using different fruits. Raspberries or blackberries work great instead of blueberries. They bring a new taste and color. If you want to impress, add lemon slices on top. They look pretty and add extra zing! If you need a gluten-free treat, it’s simple! Just swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free ones. There are many tasty options in stores now. This way, everyone can enjoy the bars without worry. Want to shake things up? Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract. It gives a nice twist to the flavor! You can also swirl in fresh fruit puree before baking. This adds a delicious layer of taste and makes your bars even prettier. To keep your blueberry lemon cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to 5 days in the fridge. If you're not serving the bars right away, it's best to keep the topping separate. This way, the bars stay nice and fresh. You can freeze these cheesecake bars for longer storage. Just make sure to freeze them uncut. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars in the fridge. This helps keep their texture smooth and creamy. These cheesecake bars taste best when served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating them, as heat can change their texture. Enjoy them as is for a delightful treat! The recommended chilling time is at least 3 hours. This time lets the bars set properly. It also allows the flavors to blend well. You can chill them overnight for the best taste. Yes, mascarpone can be used as an alternative. It offers a rich and creamy taste. This swap can change the texture slightly. Mascarpone gives a lighter feel while still being delicious. You can pair these bars with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Both options add creaminess. They also provide a nice contrast to the tart lemon flavor. Fresh berries can also complement the dish well. Yes, if you use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Many brands offer gluten-free options now. Just check the labels to be sure. This makes it easy to enjoy this treat while being mindful of dietary needs. This blog post covered the delightful journey of making blueberry lemon cheesecake bars. We explored the key ingredients, from the buttery crust to the creamy filling and fresh topping. Remember, you can customize this recipe by adding different fruits or going gluten-free. The tips shared will help you achieve the perfect texture and taste. Enjoy these bars as a sweet treat or a fun dessert for any gathering. Baking is simple, and I'm sure you’ll impress everyone with your skills.

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and a fresh blueberry topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 zest lemon
  • 1 4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are moistened.
  • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool slightly.
  • In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to break them.
  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
  • While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blueberries, 1 tablespoon sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook until the mixture is bubbly and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • Once the cheesecake is done, remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully chilled.
  • Once chilled, spread the blueberry topping over the cheesecake bars. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, chill the bars for at least 3 hours before serving.
Keyword blueberry, cheesecake, dessert, lemon