Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you love cheesecake and have a weakness for blueberries, then these Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for you! With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, sweet blueberry swirl, and a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping, these bars combine the best of all worlds. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and sure to impress at any gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Blueberry Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries, divided
• ⅛ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Ingredients:

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• 11×7 baking dish
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand or stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Toothpick or knife
• Non-stick cooking spray

How to Make Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Follow these steps to create the perfect Blueberry Cheesecake Bars that are sweet, tangy, and delightfully creamy with a crunchy topping.

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 11×7 baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand and the crumbs are evenly coated.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it firmly with the back of a measuring cup or your hands to create an even crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Tips for a Perfect Crust: Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to avoid any gaps or unevenness. This helps create a sturdy base for the cheesecake.

Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese using a hand or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
3. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Do not overbeat the cheesecake mixture to prevent too much air from getting into it, which can cause cracks while baking.

Step 3: Make the Blueberry Sauce

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup of blueberries, ⅛ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries start to burst and the mixture thickens into a sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add the remaining ¼ cup of blueberries. Stir to combine.

How to Make the Perfect Blueberry Swirl: Spoon the blueberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the sauce into the cheesecake mixture, creating a marbled effect.

Step 4: Add the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix together ¾ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of chopped pecans, and ¼ cup of melted butter until well combined.
2. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the blueberry cheesecake layer, ensuring full coverage.

Getting the Topping Just Right: Make sure the topping is evenly distributed for a consistent crunch and sweetness in every bite.

Step 5: Baking and Finishing Touches

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
2. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature in the baking dish. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the bars fully set before slicing.

How to Know When Your Bars Are Ready: The cheesecake should be firm to the touch and the topping should be golden brown. The center should slightly jiggle but not be liquid.

Presentation and Serving Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, cut the cheesecake into squares or bars and serve on a decorative plate. Garnish with a few fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint for a pop of color. These bars are great for parties, picnics, or just a delightful treat at home.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the bars in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

FAQs About Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
  Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
• Can I make these bars gluten-free?
  Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• What if I don’t have pecans?
  You can use walnuts or almonds as an alternative for a similar crunchy topping.

Tips and Variations

• Cheesecake Swaps: You can replace the blueberries with raspberries or strawberries for a different fruit flavor.
• Sugar Substitutes: Consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.
• Add a Zest of Flavor: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for an extra tangy flavor.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a delightful crunch. They are easy to make and will surely become a family favorite. Try them out today, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious treats!

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