Luscious Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

If you are in search of a dessert that beautifully balances creamy richness with the bright, refreshing flavors of summer, look no further than luscious blueberry cheesecake bars. This delectable treat combines the classic flavors of cheesecake with the sweet-tart burst of fresh blueberries, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. The creamy filling is nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust, making each bite a delightful experience that is sure to impress.

Luscious Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Discover the joy of baking with this luscious blueberry cheesecake bars recipe that perfectly blends creamy richness with bright, refreshing flavors. Each bar layers a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth cream cheese filling packed with fresh blueberries. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are both indulgent and portable. With simple ingredients and easy steps, impress your family and friends with this delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer.

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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

½ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

For the Blueberry Topping:

2 cups fresh blueberries (or thawed frozen blueberries)

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring to leave some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later.

Make the Crust:

- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

- Stir the ingredients until they are evenly mixed and the mixture resembles wet sand.

- Press this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust layer.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar together until the combination is smooth and creamy.

- Mix in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, then add the eggs one by one, ensuring to mix well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.

- Finally, fold in the sour cream until all ingredients are fully integrated.

- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.

Bake the Cheesecake Layer:

- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly.

- After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for an extra 10 minutes. This step helps prevent any cracking on the surface.

Prepare the Blueberry Topping:

- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, mix together the blueberries, ¼ cup of sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

- Cook the mixture gently, stirring regularly until it begins to bubble and thicken, roughly 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Assemble the Bars:

- Once the cheesecake has finished baking and cooled slightly, carefully pour the blueberry topping over the cheesecake layer.

- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the blueberry mixture evenly across the top.

Chill and Set:

- Place the assembled cheesecake bars in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.

Slice and Serve:

- To serve, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into square or rectangular bars.

- Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake with the vibrant burst of blueberries!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 4.5 hours | 9-12 bars