Craving a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and absolutely irresistible? These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect solution! They feature a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, a rich and tangy cream cheese filling, and a delicious layer of sweet, juicy blueberries. The bars are easy to make, and the combination of textures and flavors is sure to make them a hit at any gathering, from summer picnics to holiday dinners.
Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into this simple but indulgent dessert recipe.

What are Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars?
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a layered dessert that combines a buttery crust, a rich, smooth cream cheese filling, and a sweet-tart blueberry topping. Imagine all the creamy goodness of cheesecake but in the form of easy-to-serve bars. The graham cracker or shortbread base adds the perfect crunch to balance the silky filling and the bright burst of blueberry flavor. Whether served chilled in the summer or slightly warm in cooler months, these bars are a delightful treat for any time of the year.
Ingredients List for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these scrumptious bars. The recipe is broken down into three parts: the crust, the cream cheese filling, and the blueberry topping.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits/shortbread cookies)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
For the Blueberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a citrusy burst)
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some ways to modify this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust. Make sure the other ingredients, like cornstarch and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream cheese with a plant-based, dairy-free cream cheese, and use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Use dairy-free butter for the crust.
- Fruit Variations: You can swap the blueberries for any other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. You can even mix them up for a berry medley topping.
- Lemon Blueberry Twist: Add extra lemon zest to the cream cheese filling and top the bars with candied lemon slices for an even stronger citrus note.
- Crumble Topping: For added texture, sprinkle a simple streusel topping over the blueberry layer before baking. Combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup cold butter, and mix until crumbly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now let’s go through how to make these delicious blueberry cream cheese bars step by step.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it's firmly packed.
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Blueberry Topping:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using).
- Stir occasionally and let the mixture cook for 5–7 minutes, until the berries begin to release their juices and break down.
- Add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Spoon the blueberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer, then use a toothpick or knife to swirl the blueberry mixture into the filling for a marbled effect.
- Alternatively, you can spread the blueberries in an even layer on top without swirling.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or extra blueberries for garnish.
How to Cook Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Although these bars are straightforward to make, here are a few tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter without lumps.
- Chill the Bars Fully: Allowing the bars to chill completely before slicing helps them set properly, making for clean, neat slices.
- Swirl the Blueberries: If you want a marbled appearance, gently swirl the blueberry topping into the cream cheese filling using a toothpick or butter knife. Don’t overdo it, as you still want distinct areas of blueberry and cream cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Filling: Be careful not to overmix the cream cheese filling, as it can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks as the bars bake.
- Skipping the Pre-Bake of the Crust: Pre-baking the crust helps it stay crisp and firm under the cream cheese and blueberry layers. Skipping this step can result in a soggy base.
- Cutting Too Early: Don’t rush to cut the bars before they’ve fully chilled. Let them set in the fridge for at least 2 hours for the best texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
These blueberry cream cheese bars are a treat on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:
- Serve with Fresh Blueberries: Garnish each bar with a few fresh blueberries for a vibrant pop of color and added flavor.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream takes these bars to the next level, especially when serving them warm.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finish, lightly dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar right before serving.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
These bars can be served chilled for a refreshing dessert or at room temperature for a creamier texture. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as a sweet afternoon snack. Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or iced lemonade for a refreshing treat.
Presentation Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Rustic Platter: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board and sprinkle with a handful of fresh blueberries for a simple yet charming presentation.
- Elegant Display: Stack the bars on a tiered dessert stand and decorate with edible flowers or mint leaves for a more formal look at parties or gatherings.
- Swirled Art: When swirling the blueberry topping into the cream cheese layer, get creative with patterns—zig-zags, swirls, or marbled lines all add visual interest.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
- Store Properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Cut Clean Slices: For cleaner slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. This helps prevent the cream cheese and blueberry layers from sticking to the knife.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! You can use frozen blueberries for the topping. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes to account for the extra moisture.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust, and ensure all other ingredients (like vanilla extract and cornstarch) are gluten-free.
3. How long will these bars last?
These bars will last for up
to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and use a 9x13-inch baking pan. You may need to slightly increase the baking time.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake, sweet-tart blueberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust. They’re easy to make, portable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party or just want something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars are sure to hit the spot. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with every bite!
PrintBlueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars recipe offers a rich, creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese topped with juicy blueberries, all on a buttery crust. Perfect for dessert or a summer treat, these bars are easy to make and packed with flavor. Keywords: blueberry cream cheese bars, blueberry dessert, cream cheese bars, summer dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Lemon juice
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, sugar, and melted butter to form a crumbly crust. Press into the baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set. Cool completely before slicing.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
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