Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars offer a delightful combination of creamy and fruity flavors wrapped in a buttery oat crust. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for dessert or a special snack any time of the year.

The image shows a stack of three dessert bars with visible layers resting on a wooden tray lined with parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three layers: the bottom layer is a light brown crumbly crust, the middle layer is a creamy off-white cheesecake filling mixed with red and dark purple berry pieces, and the top layer is a golden crumbly streusel with bits of berries peeking through. In the background, a white bowl filled with mixed berries adds a colorful soft focus. The whole scene is lit softly, emphasizing the textures and colors of the bars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter (softened)
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/3 cups flour
  • 1 1/3 cups quick oats (uncooked)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup blueberries (or raspberries)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Add the baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats to the butter mixture. Stir until combined and a crumbly dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared pan to create the crust layer.
  5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and egg yolk, then mix well until creamy.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold in the blueberries, then spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the cream cheese layer to create a crumb topping.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
  9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute raspberries for blueberries to add a tart twist to this dessert.
  • For extra texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the oat mixture.
  • If you prefer a sweeter bar, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top after cooling.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For best texture, reheat briefly at room temperature or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of three crumb bars on a small white marbled surface, placed on a wooden board with a piece of parchment paper underneath. Each bar has three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown, crumbly crust; the middle layer is creamy white cheesecake mixed with bright red and deep purple berries, adding spots of rich color; the top layer is a crumbly, light golden streusel with a rough texture, covering the bars unevenly. The bars have a rustic look with some berry juice slightly seeping into the creamy middle layer. In the background, there is a white ramekin filled with mixed berries and a blurred crumb bar. The photo is taken closely to focus on the texture and colors of the bars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the bars.

Can these bars be made dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe.

Print

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars feature a tender oat and butter crust topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer and bursting with fresh blueberries. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, they make a delightful dessert or snack that’s both rich and refreshing.

  • Author: Bella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including cooling and chilling)
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/3 cups quick oats, uncooked

Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (or raspberries)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the bars evenly.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just blended. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
  3. Make the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth in a bowl. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and egg yolk, mixing well until creamy and well combined.
  4. Assemble the bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

  • For best texture, use fresh blueberries; frozen berries may release too much moisture.
  • You can substitute raspberries or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To make cutting easier, chill the bars well before slicing.
  • This recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger pan but adjust the baking time accordingly.

Keywords: blueberry bars, cream cheese bars, dessert bars, easy blueberry dessert, sweet cream cheese dessert

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