Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can! Raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches would work well in place of the blueberries.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the crust.

What if I don't have cream cheese?

While cream cheese is essential for the signature flavour, you can try using mascarpone cheese for a richer taste.

My crust is too crumbly – what did I do wrong?

Make sure your butter is very cold and that you're not overmixing the dough. If the dough is still too dry, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time until it comes together.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars – Easy Dessert Bar Recipe

Description

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect mix of buttery crust, creamy filling, and a sweet blueberry topping. They’re simple to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Topping:
2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup water

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of prepared pan.
Bake crust 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Beat in egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour cream cheese mixture over cooled crust, spreading evenly.
In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened and blueberries burst, 5–7 minutes.
Spoon blueberry topping over cream cheese layer. Swirl with toothpick for marbled effect.
Bake 25–30 minutes, or until filling is set and edges golden brown.
Cool completely in pan. Refrigerate if needed before cutting.
Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, allow bars to cool completely before cutting. They are best enjoyed fresh or within 24 hours of baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg