Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and creamy dessert that combines a rich cheesecake filling with a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with fresh blueberries. These bars are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Blueberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Timing

Making Blueberry Cheesecake Bars takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking, plus chilling time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare the Blueberry Topping

1. Cook Blueberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring gently until the blueberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

1. Top Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake layer has cooled, pour the blueberry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
2. Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled and set.

Step 6: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh blueberries!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Blueberry Cheesecake Bars (per bar, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210
Protein	4g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	29g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Add Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract or a splash of vanilla bean paste for added flavor in the cheesecake filling.
• Use Different Fruits: Substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or peaches for a different topping.
• Make it Lighter: Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh flavor of blueberries. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to please everyone. Enjoy this delightful recipe!