There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of blueberries and cream cheese, especially when they come together in these irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves easy, crowd-pleasing desserts with a creamy and fruity twist. The base is a simple buttery crust, followed by a smooth cream cheese layer that’s lightly sweetened and topped with juicy blueberries. Whether you use fresh blueberries in summer or frozen ones during other months, you’ll find that the flavours always shine through.
What I love about these bars is their versatility and forgiving nature. You can bake a batch for potlucks, parties, or just as a treat to enjoy at home. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers but always impress when served at a gathering. Plus, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just everyday staples from your kitchen.
After baking, a quick chill in the fridge is all they need to set perfectly, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert. Every bite is a delicious balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet with a burst of berry flavour. Kids and adults alike will keep coming back for more!
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple, beautiful, and always a hit, these Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a must-try. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Easy to Make: Simple, fuss-free steps that even beginner bakers can handle confidently.
– Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet snack.
– Creamy and Fruity: The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet blueberries is irresistible.
– Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars need time to chill so that you can prepare them in advance.
– Customizable: Use fresh or frozen blueberries and even try with other berries if you like!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Description
There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of blueberries and cream cheese, especially when they come together in these irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves easy, crowd-pleasing desserts with a creamy and fruity twist. The base is a simple buttery crust, followed by a smooth cream cheese layer that’s lightly sweetened and topped with juicy blueberries.
Ingredients
For the Crust
For the Cream Cheese Filling
For the Blueberry Layer
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and is evenly moistened. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to firmly press it down into an even layer, covering the bottom completely. Set aside.
Make the Blueberry Layer
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Stir gently and cook for about 4–6 minutes, or until the blueberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the cream cheese filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a clean mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Continue beating until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is silky and lump-free.
Assemble and Layer the Bars
Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly, reaching all the corners. Next, spoon the cooled blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in small dollops. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the blueberry sauce into the cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled effect. Take care not to over-mix—you want to see distinct swirls of blueberry and cream cheese.
Bake the Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already done so. Place the assembled pan on the centre rack of the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the centre is just set and the edges are lightly golden. The bars may jiggle slightly in the middle, but will firm up as they cool. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let the bars cool completely to room temperature.
Chill and Slice the Bars
Once the bars have completely cooled to room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are fully set. After chilling, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 even bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the neatest slices. The bars are now ready to serve!
Garnish and Serve
Place the chilled and sliced blueberry cream cheese bars onto a serving plate or platter. Arrange the bars neatly and, if desired, garnish with a few fresh blueberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve chilled for optimal texture and flavour. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 238.73kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.82g22%
- Saturated Fat 7.77g39%
- Cholesterol 49.85mg17%
- Sodium 135.65mg6%
- Potassium 68.01mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 27.11g10%
- Dietary Fiber 0.82g4%
- Sugars 19.54g
- Protein 2.69g6%
- Vitamin A 463.82 IU
- Vitamin C 2.27 mg
- Calcium 32.13 mg
- Iron 0.62 mg
- Vitamin D 0.19 mcg
- Vitamin E 0.48 mg
- Vitamin K 4.48 mcg
- Thiamin 0.04 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 0.54 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.04 mg
- Folate 11.21 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.09 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.21 mg
- Phosphorus 54.45 mg
- Magnesium 9.91 mg
- Zinc 0.4 mg
- Selenium 3.3 mcg
- Copper 0.02 mg
- Manganese 0.07 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest filling, ensure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature before mixing.
- Make Ahead: You can make these bars a day ahead; the flavours and texture improve after chilling overnight.
- Crust Variations: Swap the graham crackers for digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or gluten-free cookies if desired.
- Blueberry Options: Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh—no need to thaw, just cook slightly longer on the stove.
- Clean Slices: For neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
