Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Delightful Dessert Treat

ByAisha
- Cream cheese - Graham cracker crumbs - Fresh blueberries - Lemon zest and juice For this recipe, you need specific measurements: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 large eggs at room temperature - 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if you prefer) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Pinch of salt If you do not have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw them first. This will still give you that burst of berry flavor. You can adjust the sugar if your blueberries are sweet. To make your bars look fancy, consider these garnishes: - Powdered sugar - Additional blueberries A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds charm. Extra blueberries will make your bars pop with color. These small touches can truly elevate your dessert experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheating the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking cheesecake bars. 2. Lining the baking pan: Take an 8x8-inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. 1. Mixing graham cracker crumbs and butter: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated. 2. Pressing crust into the pan: Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your lined pan. Use the back of a measuring cup for an even surface. This crust will hold everything together nicely. 1. Beating cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar slowly while mixing. 2. Adding lemon and vanilla: Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Keep mixing until smooth. 3. Incorporating eggs: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each egg. This helps make the filling creamy. 1. Folding blueberries into the mixture: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries with a rubber spatula. Careful not to break them. These berries add flavor and color. 2. Pouring and spreading filling over the crust: Pour the filling over your prepared crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. 3. Baking time and temperature guidelines: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center may still jiggle slightly. 1. Cooling process after baking: Once baked, let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. 2. Slicing and presentation tips: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill completely. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares. Serve on a platter with extra blueberries for a nice touch. - Overmixing the filling: This can make your cheesecake bars dense. Mix just until smooth. - Not cooling adequately: Skipping the cooling step can ruin the texture. Let them cool fully. - How to achieve a creamy texture: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar slowly. This helps keep it light. - Best ways to incorporate flavors: Mix lemon zest and juice right into the cream cheese. This gives a bright taste throughout. - Presentation ideas for serving: Plate the cheesecake bars on a colorful platter. Add fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for flair. - Pairing with beverages or toppings: These bars pair well with tea or lemonade. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will complement them nicely. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature will help create a smoother filling without lumps. Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs, mix just until incorporated to maintain a creamy texture and avoid cracks in the cheesecake. Chill Properly: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, as this helps them set and improves their flavor. Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the filling. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the flavors in your lemon blueberry cheesecake bars. Here are two fun ideas: - Adding chocolate chips: Mix in a half cup of chocolate chips. This adds a rich twist to the cheesecake. The sweet chocolate pairs well with the tart lemon and blueberries. - Infusing different citrus flavors: Try lime or orange zest instead of lemon. Each citrus brings a unique taste. You can even mix them for a fun flavor combo. If you want to make a lighter version, consider these options: - Using low-fat cream cheese: This swap cuts down on calories. You still get the creamy texture without the extra fat. - Gluten-free crust options: Use almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy the dessert without worries. You can also change the fruits based on the season. Here are some ideas: - Substituting fruits based on the season: In spring, use fresh strawberries. In fall, try adding apples or pears. Each season offers a new flavor to enjoy. - Colorful layered varieties: Create layers with different fruits. For example, layer lemon filling with raspberry or strawberry. This adds color and makes the bars even more eye-catching. To keep your lemon blueberry cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and keeps them tasting great. If you do not have a container, you can cover them with plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. These cheesecake bars will stay good in the fridge for about five days. After that, they may lose flavor and creaminess. For frozen bars, they can last up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This will help them regain their creamy texture and taste. You can enjoy these bars chilled or warm. If you prefer warm bars, heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms them without making them too soft. If you like them chilled, just take them out of the fridge and serve. They are tasty either way! For the best flavor, serve them with extra blueberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch to your dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Both options work well for the crust. Just crush them into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars ahead of time. I suggest preparing them a day before you plan to serve. This gives them time to chill and set well in the fridge. Absolutely! You can use raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed, as some fruits can be tarter than blueberries. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also dairy-free. Enjoy the same delicious taste, minus the dairy! To make delicious cheesecake bars, start with simple ingredients like cream cheese and blueberries. Follow step-by-step instructions for the crust and filling. Avoid common mistakes and try fun variations for extra flavor. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can create cheesecake bars that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking and impress your friends with these tasty treats!

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Get ready to indulge in a sweet and tangy treat with my Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars! These creamy, fruity bars blend rich cream cheese with zesty lemon and fresh blueberries, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this recipe checks all the boxes. Follow along as I share step-by-step instructions and tips to make these bars a hit!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a delightful flavor profile that is refreshing and indulgent at the same time.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal steps and ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
  3. Great for Any Occasion: These cheesecake bars are versatile and can be served at parties, family gatherings, or as a simple dessert to enjoy at home.
  4. Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the blueberries against the creamy cheesecake make for an eye-catching dessert that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– Cream cheese

– Graham cracker crumbs

– Fresh blueberries

– Lemon zest and juice

Measurements and Substitutions

For this recipe, you need specific measurements:

– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

– 1 cup cream cheese, softened

– ½ cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

– 2 large eggs at room temperature

– 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if you prefer)

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– Pinch of salt

If you do not have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw them first. This will still give you that burst of berry flavor. You can adjust the sugar if your blueberries are sweet.

Optional Garnishes

To make your bars look fancy, consider these garnishes:

– Powdered sugar

– Additional blueberries

A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds charm. Extra blueberries will make your bars pop with color. These small touches can truly elevate your dessert experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pan

1. Preheating the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking cheesecake bars.

2. Lining the baking pan: Take an 8×8-inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later.

Making the Crust

1. Mixing graham cracker crumbs and butter: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated.

2. Pressing crust into the pan: Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your lined pan. Use the back of a measuring cup for an even surface. This crust will hold everything together nicely.

Mixing the Filling

1. Beating cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar slowly while mixing.

2. Adding lemon and vanilla: Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Keep mixing until smooth.

3. Incorporating eggs: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each egg. This helps make the filling creamy.

Adding Blueberries and Baking

1. Folding blueberries into the mixture: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries with a rubber spatula. Careful not to break them. These berries add flavor and color.

2. Pouring and spreading filling over the crust: Pour the filling over your prepared crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

3. Baking time and temperature guidelines: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center may still jiggle slightly.

Cooling and Serving

1. Cooling process after baking: Once baked, let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

2. Slicing and presentation tips: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill completely. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares. Serve on a platter with extra blueberries for a nice touch.

Tips & Tricks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overmixing the filling: This can make your cheesecake bars dense. Mix just until smooth.

– Not cooling adequately: Skipping the cooling step can ruin the texture. Let them cool fully.

Expert Tips for Perfection

– How to achieve a creamy texture: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar slowly. This helps keep it light.

– Best ways to incorporate flavors: Mix lemon zest and juice right into the cream cheese. This gives a bright taste throughout.

Serving Suggestions

– Presentation ideas for serving: Plate the cheesecake bars on a colorful platter. Add fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for flair.

– Pairing with beverages or toppings: These bars pair well with tea or lemonade. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will complement them nicely.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature will help create a smoother filling without lumps.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs, mix just until incorporated to maintain a creamy texture and avoid cracks in the cheesecake.
  3. Chill Properly: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, as this helps them set and improves their flavor.
  4. Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Variations

Flavor Twist Ideas

You can easily switch up the flavors in your lemon blueberry cheesecake bars. Here are two fun ideas:

– Adding chocolate chips: Mix in a half cup of chocolate chips. This adds a rich twist to the cheesecake. The sweet chocolate pairs well with the tart lemon and blueberries.

– Infusing different citrus flavors: Try lime or orange zest instead of lemon. Each citrus brings a unique taste. You can even mix them for a fun flavor combo.

Healthier Substitutions

If you want to make a lighter version, consider these options:

– Using low-fat cream cheese: This swap cuts down on calories. You still get the creamy texture without the extra fat.

– Gluten-free crust options: Use almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy the dessert without worries.

Seasonal Variations

You can also change the fruits based on the season. Here are some ideas:

– Substituting fruits based on the season: In spring, use fresh strawberries. In fall, try adding apples or pears. Each season offers a new flavor to enjoy.

– Colorful layered varieties: Create layers with different fruits. For example, layer lemon filling with raspberry or strawberry. This adds color and makes the bars even more eye-catching.

Storage Info

Storing Leftover Bars

To keep your lemon blueberry cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and keeps them tasting great. If you do not have a container, you can cover them with plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact.

Shelf Life

These cheesecake bars will stay good in the fridge for about five days. After that, they may lose flavor and creaminess. For frozen bars, they can last up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This will help them regain their creamy texture and taste.

Reheating Instructions

You can enjoy these bars chilled or warm. If you prefer warm bars, heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms them without making them too soft. If you like them chilled, just take them out of the fridge and serve. They are tasty either way! For the best flavor, serve them with extra blueberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch to your dessert.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have graham crackers?

If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Both options work well for the crust. Just crush them into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter.

Can I make these cheesecake bars in advance?

Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars ahead of time. I suggest preparing them a day before you plan to serve. This gives them time to chill and set well in the fridge.

Can I use other fruits besides blueberries?

Absolutely! You can use raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed, as some fruits can be tarter than blueberries.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Are there dairy-free options for this recipe?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also dairy-free. Enjoy the same delicious taste, minus the dairy!

To make delicious cheesecake bars, start with simple ingredients like cream cheese and blueberries. Follow step-by-step instructions for the crust and filling. Avoid common mistakes and try fun variations for extra flavor. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can create cheesecake bars that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking and impress your friends with these tasty treat

- Cream cheese - Graham cracker crumbs - Fresh blueberries - Lemon zest and juice For this recipe, you need specific measurements: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 large eggs at room temperature - 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if you prefer) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Pinch of salt If you do not have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw them first. This will still give you that burst of berry flavor. You can adjust the sugar if your blueberries are sweet. To make your bars look fancy, consider these garnishes: - Powdered sugar - Additional blueberries A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds charm. Extra blueberries will make your bars pop with color. These small touches can truly elevate your dessert experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheating the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking cheesecake bars. 2. Lining the baking pan: Take an 8x8-inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. 1. Mixing graham cracker crumbs and butter: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated. 2. Pressing crust into the pan: Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your lined pan. Use the back of a measuring cup for an even surface. This crust will hold everything together nicely. 1. Beating cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar slowly while mixing. 2. Adding lemon and vanilla: Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Keep mixing until smooth. 3. Incorporating eggs: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each egg. This helps make the filling creamy. 1. Folding blueberries into the mixture: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries with a rubber spatula. Careful not to break them. These berries add flavor and color. 2. Pouring and spreading filling over the crust: Pour the filling over your prepared crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. 3. Baking time and temperature guidelines: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center may still jiggle slightly. 1. Cooling process after baking: Once baked, let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. 2. Slicing and presentation tips: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill completely. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares. Serve on a platter with extra blueberries for a nice touch. - Overmixing the filling: This can make your cheesecake bars dense. Mix just until smooth. - Not cooling adequately: Skipping the cooling step can ruin the texture. Let them cool fully. - How to achieve a creamy texture: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar slowly. This helps keep it light. - Best ways to incorporate flavors: Mix lemon zest and juice right into the cream cheese. This gives a bright taste throughout. - Presentation ideas for serving: Plate the cheesecake bars on a colorful platter. Add fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for flair. - Pairing with beverages or toppings: These bars pair well with tea or lemonade. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will complement them nicely. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature will help create a smoother filling without lumps. Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs, mix just until incorporated to maintain a creamy texture and avoid cracks in the cheesecake. Chill Properly: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, as this helps them set and improves their flavor. Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the filling. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the flavors in your lemon blueberry cheesecake bars. Here are two fun ideas: - Adding chocolate chips: Mix in a half cup of chocolate chips. This adds a rich twist to the cheesecake. The sweet chocolate pairs well with the tart lemon and blueberries. - Infusing different citrus flavors: Try lime or orange zest instead of lemon. Each citrus brings a unique taste. You can even mix them for a fun flavor combo. If you want to make a lighter version, consider these options: - Using low-fat cream cheese: This swap cuts down on calories. You still get the creamy texture without the extra fat. - Gluten-free crust options: Use almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy the dessert without worries. You can also change the fruits based on the season. Here are some ideas: - Substituting fruits based on the season: In spring, use fresh strawberries. In fall, try adding apples or pears. Each season offers a new flavor to enjoy. - Colorful layered varieties: Create layers with different fruits. For example, layer lemon filling with raspberry or strawberry. This adds color and makes the bars even more eye-catching. To keep your lemon blueberry cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and keeps them tasting great. If you do not have a container, you can cover them with plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. These cheesecake bars will stay good in the fridge for about five days. After that, they may lose flavor and creaminess. For frozen bars, they can last up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This will help them regain their creamy texture and taste. You can enjoy these bars chilled or warm. If you prefer warm bars, heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms them without making them too soft. If you like them chilled, just take them out of the fridge and serve. They are tasty either way! For the best flavor, serve them with extra blueberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch to your dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Both options work well for the crust. Just crush them into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars ahead of time. I suggest preparing them a day before you plan to serve. This gives them time to chill and set well in the fridge. Absolutely! You can use raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed, as some fruits can be tarter than blueberries. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also dairy-free. Enjoy the same delicious taste, minus the dairy! To make delicious cheesecake bars, start with simple ingredients like cream cheese and blueberries. Follow step-by-step instructions for the crust and filling. Avoid common mistakes and try fun variations for extra flavor. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can create cheesecake bars that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking and impress your friends with these tasty treats!

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a graham cracker crust, fresh blueberries, and a hint of lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring that the edges hang over the sides.
  • Prepare the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly and press into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  • Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar, then incorporate the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  • Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to avoid overmixing.
  • Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries using a rubber spatula.
  • Pour and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until set around the edges.
  • Cool: Let the cheesecake bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Slice and Serve: Lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into bars or squares.

Notes

Serve with fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Keyword bars, blueberry, cheesecake, dessert, lemon

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