Dreamy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Treat

Crafting delectable blueberry cream cheese bars brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet berries burst with vibrant flavor against smooth, rich cream cheese layers.

Homemade desserts create magical moments that connect us through delightful tastes.

Summer’s abundant blueberries dance perfectly within this simple yet elegant treat.

Each slice promises a delicate balance between tangy cream cheese and sweet fruit.

Memories of family gatherings and lazy afternoon treats will flood your mind.

You’ll fall in love with these irresistible bars that blend comfort and elegance.

Dive into this recipe and let deliciousness unfold!

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars That Impress

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This blueberry cream cheese bar recipe delivers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Mix up the fruit by swapping blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or other seasonal berries to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable.
• Master a Make-Ahead Delight: Prepare these bars in advance and store them in the refrigerator, making them an ideal dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or unexpected guests.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe welcomes home bakers of all skill levels to create a delicious treat without stress.

Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Softened Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crust together.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and contribute to the golden color of the crust.
• All-Purpose Flour, Quick-Cooking Oats: Create a sturdy and textured base for the bars.
• Baking Soda, Salt: Enhance the texture and balance the flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creates a smooth, rich texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the filling.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the filling and adds richness.

• Blueberries: Bring a burst of fresh, sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color to the bars.

How to Bake Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray.

This trick will make your bars super easy to remove later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these together until they’re light and fluffy.

Toss in baking soda and salt, then gradually mix in flour and quick-cooking oats. You’re aiming for a delightfully crumbly texture.

Press half of this magical mixture into the bottom of your pan, creating a solid base. Pop it in the oven and bake for 13 minutes until it’s just golden and set.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Filling

In another bowl, smooth out the cream cheese until it’s silky-soft. Pour in sweetened condensed milk, whisking like a pro to create a lump-free mixture.

Splash in vanilla extract and an egg yolk, mixing until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Layer Your Masterpiece

Pull out the partially baked crust and pour the cream cheese mixture over it.

Spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle fresh blueberries across the top like delicious little jewels.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, giving it a gentle press.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for golden brown edges and a top that’s slightly firm to the touch.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

This patience ensures clean, beautiful cuts. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out, then slice into your desired size.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Tuck your bars into an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Want to keep them longer? Pop them in the freezer for extended enjoyment.

Tips to Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Swap fresh blueberries with frozen ones, ensuring they're not thawed to prevent color bleeding into the cream cheese layer.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, smoother texture that prevents cracking during baking.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper extending over the sides for effortless bar removal and clean cutting.
• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
• Enhance flavor by adding a light dusting of cinnamon to the crumble topping for extra warmth and depth.

Variations on Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Raspberry Remix: Swap blueberries with fresh raspberries for a tangy, vibrant alternative that brings a bright red color and slightly tart flavor profile to the classic cream cheese bars.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Replace all-purpose flour and quick-cooking oats with gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture or taste.
• Vegan Venture: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut condensed milk, and flax egg replacement to transform the recipe into a plant-based treat that maintains the creamy, rich essence of the original bars.
• Tropical Transformation: Incorporate diced mango or passion fruit instead of blueberries, adding a sunny, exotic twist that complements the cream cheese base with vibrant, tropical notes.

Pairing Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Brew a rich, smooth vanilla latte that complements the blueberry cream cheese bars' sweet and tangy flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience with harmonizing creamy notes.
• Craft a delicate lavender honey iced tea that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich bars, offering a light and floral counterpoint to the dessert's creamy texture.
• Top the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with toasted almond extract, enhancing the dessert's nutty oat base and adding a delightful aromatic dimension.

Storage Tips for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

• Seal blueberry cream cheese bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for maximum freshness up to 5 days, preventing moisture and maintaining texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and creamy consistency.
• Transfer frozen bars from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Allow slow, gentle thawing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain original texture. Consume within 24 hours after thawing.

FAQs

• What gives these bars their unique texture?

The combination of oats in the crust and crumble layer creates a delightful crumbly and slightly crunchy texture, while the cream cheese filling provides a smooth, creamy contrast.

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before adding to the bars to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm top. The cream cheese layer should be set but still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

While not absolutely required, parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars much easier and prevents sticking to the pan.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 58 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Luscious blueberry cream cheese bars combine tangy cream cheese with sweet, juicy blueberries in a buttery graham cracker crust. Rich layers of flavor create a delightful dessert you will savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
• 1⅓ cups quick-cooking oats (uncooked)
• 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ⅔ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper or spraying with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal.
2. Create the crust by mixing softened butter, sugars, baking soda, salt, flour, and oats until crumbly. Press half the mixture firmly into the prepared pan and bake for 13 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Whisk cream cheese until completely smooth, then blend in condensed milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Incorporate vanilla extract and egg yolk, mixing thoroughly to create a silky filling.
4. Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the surface. Distribute blueberries uniformly over the cream cheese layer.
5. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, gently pressing to create a textured topping.
6. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the top feels slightly firm to the touch.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to prevent breaking. Once cooled, lift out using parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board.
8. Slice into desired bar sizes and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for extended preservation.

Notes

• Chilling the cream cheese beforehand helps achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Replace quick-cooking oats with gluten-free oats to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different berries like raspberries or blackberries for varied flavor profiles and seasonal adaptations.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling during slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 38 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 207 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 93 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg