Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and creamy, making them a must-have for any dessert table.
Whether you’re planning your next Thanksgiving dinner party, looking for a refreshing summer treat, or craving a cozy fall dessert, these bars have got you covered.
Imagine biting into a buttery crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling swirled with fresh blueberries—pure bliss!
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make.
Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Ingredients
Each ingredient in these Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why they shine:
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
- Sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the tartness of the blueberries.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper flavor and a touch of caramel goodness.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the crust and crumble topping have a perfect, tender texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing out the best in each bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our crust and crumble, giving structure to the bars.
- Quick-Cooking Oats: Adds a lovely texture and heartiness to the crust and topping.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the filling, providing that creamy, tangy layer we all love.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetens the filling without making it too heavy.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the filling with warmth and depth.
- Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps set the creamy filling.
- Blueberries: The juicy, tart burst of flavor that makes these bars truly special.
Tips and Notes
Making Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars is straightforward, but these tips will ensure your dessert turns out perfect every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the filling.
- Even Layers: When spreading the cream cheese mixture and blueberries, try to create even layers for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Don’t skip the step of pre-baking the crust; it ensures a firm base that won’t get soggy under the filling.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to avoid a gooey mess.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in baking soda and salt.
- Gradually add flour and oats, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 13 minutes, until the crust is set and lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and egg yolk until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the filling.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, pressing down gently.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the top is slightly firm.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Storage
Keep your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars fresh and tasty with these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Layering: Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Savor the deliciousness of Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars, combining a buttery oat crust with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling. Topped with juicy blueberries and a crumbly oat topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a fall gathering, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup of unsalted butter softened
- ⅔ cup of granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup of brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1⅓ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1⅓ cups of quick-cooking oats uncooked
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 can 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup of blueberries fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in baking soda and salt.
- Gradually add flour and oats, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 13 minutes, until the crust is set and lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and egg yolk until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the filling.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, pressing down gently.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the top is slightly firm.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the filling.
- Even Layers: When spreading the cream cheese mixture and blueberries, try to create even layers for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Don’t skip the step of pre-baking the crust; it ensures a firm base that won’t get soggy under the filling.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to avoid a gooey mess.
Nutrition Information
Yield
24Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 241Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 40mgSodium 131mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 1gSugar 24gProtein 4g