These scrumptious Blueberry Cream Cheese bars bring out the best that the pair has to offer in an easy to make recipe that is simply gorgeous. I love to make these for potlucks, family reunions and bake sales. Now of all the things that go with blueberries, cream cheese has got to be at the top of that list. Delectable sweet berries are simmered in a lightly sweetened sauce and then swirled in a cheesecake filling all atop a simple graham cracker crust. Folks, life does not get much better than this. Everyone always enjoys them and complements how incredibly delicious they taste.
Why this recipe works!
- Blueberries and cream cheese are like a match made in heaven. They go together like Abbot and Costello or Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. One bite and you will agree that this combo has it going on.
- With just nine ingredients this recipe is very easy to prepare. It is so simple even a novice cook can handle it.
- This blueberry dessert is easy enough for a potluck but also elegant and pretty enough for company.
- As long as these bars are covered and stored in the refrigerator they can made up to 2 days in advance. That is truly a blessing when it comes to having a multitude of things to do.
Blueberries are my absolute favorite berry. We are so lucky to have a plentiful supply year-round. Our neighborhood Costco carries them year-round at reasonable prices and they even offer organic ones. I just can not get enough of these beauties. If you are familiar with my blog and recipes then you know how much I love blueberries. As a matter of fact I adore them. Have you tried my Lemon Blueberry Bread, Blueberry Orange Cream Cheese Cookies or my Blueberry Cobbler? The list goes on and on!
How to make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
This recipe does require a little advanced preparation so plan ahead. Grab a small saucepan and simmer the blueberries for about 10 minutes. Now let them cool to room temperature and then place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. If you stir them while they are cooling it will speed up the process.
Next combine the graham crackers, butter and 2 tablespoons sugar. Then press into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Using a mixer beat the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Then turn the mixer to low and add the vanilla extract and eggs mixing just until combined. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the graham cracker crust.
Now take the chilled blueberries and spoon two lines down the length of the pan. Next using a bamboo stick, chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon swirl in the blueberry mixture. Finally bake for about 40 minutes or until set in the center.
Recipe Notes and Helpful Tips
- The blueberry filling needs to chill for 1-2 hours before being swirled in the cream cheese mixture. However it can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Swirl the blueberry mixture with a bamboo skewer, chopstick, or spoon handle. Simply spoon the blueberry mixture onto the cream cheese mixture in two lines the length of the dish. Then simply make figure eights through the blueberry mixture but don’t go to deep as you don’t want to damage the graham cracker crust.
- Chill the bars before slicing to make it easier to get clean cuts.
- Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze double wrap in freezer bags and freeze for up to 1 month.
These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, patio parties neighborhood soirees and birthday parties. Your family is going to love these delectable treats made with my favorite berry!
More blueberry recipes to try!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
These deliciously sweet homemade blueberry cream cheese bars are a perfect year-round dessert! From-scratch blueberry cheesecake is layered on top of a classic graham cracker crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups blueberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Combine blueberries and 1/2 cup of sugar in small saucepan. Cover and place on low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes and remove from heat. After pan cools place in the refrigerator to chill and thicken for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In small bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons melted butter and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press evenly into baking dish.
- In stand mixer with paddle attachment mix 1/2 cup sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Turn mixer to low; add vanilla extract and 1 egg at a time mixing just until incorporated. Pour cream cheese mixture over graham cracker crust.
- With chilled blueberry sauce make two thick lines down the length of the pan over the top of the cream cheese. Using bamboo skewers or chopsticks swirl in being careful not to scrap the crust on the bottom.
- Bake 40-45 minutes or until set in the center. Chill well before cutting. Refrigerate all leftovers.
Notes
- The blueberry filling needs to chill for 1-2 hours before being swirled in the cream cheese mixture. However it can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Swirl the blueberry mixture with a bamboo skewer, chopstick, or spoon handle. Simply spoon the blueberry mixture onto the cream cheese mixture in two lines the length of the dish. Then simply make figure eights through the blueberry mixture but don’t go to deep as you don’t want to damage the graham cracker crust.
- Chill the bars before slicing to make it easier to get clean cuts.
- Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze double wrap in freezer bags and freeze for up to 1 month.
Keywords: blueberry cream cheese bars, blueberry cheesecake bars, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry cream cheese, homemade blueberry cheesecake bars
This post was originally published February 17, 2017 and was republished October 21, 2020 with new content.
On the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf