Luscious Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the delightful world of Luscious Blueberry Cheesecake Bars! This simple recipe combines creamy cheesecake with the fresh flavor of blueberries, making for a stunning and delicious dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in, these bars are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Learn how to make them from scratch and impress family and friends with this sweet treat that embodies the essence of homemade goodness!

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup sour cream

1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (frozen may be used if fresh are unavailable)

For the blueberry topping:

2 cups fresh blueberries

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Make the Crust: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the crumbs are well-coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.

Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the cheesecake mixture using a spatula. Take care not to crush the berries to maintain their integrity.

Bake the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for approximately 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully set.

Make the Blueberry Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 2 cups of blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Cook while gently stirring, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Assemble: Once the cheesecake bars are thoroughly chilled and set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Carefully spread the cooled blueberry topping evenly across the cheesecake layer.

Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful burst of blueberry flavor in every bite!

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve each bar on a decorative plate and garnish with a sprig of mint or a few fresh blueberries on the side.