Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars: A Delightful and Tangy Treat

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon, and juicy blueberries on a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion, offering a refreshing twist to classic cheesecake. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 9 graham crackers, crushed (about 3/4 cup crumbs)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
3. Press into Pan:
   • Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down firmly.
4. Bake the Crust:
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Eggs:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
3. Add Lemon Zest and Juice:
   • Stir in the zest and juice of 2 lemons until well combined.
4. Fold in Blueberries:
   • Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour Filling over Crust:
   • Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake:
   • Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

1. Cool:
   • Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature.
2. Chill:
   • Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. For best results, chill overnight.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cut into Bars:
   • Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the chilled cheesecake out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.
2. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars chilled. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors!

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling.
• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen blueberries. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the filling.
• Chilling: Chilling the cheesecake bars is essential to allow them to set properly and develop the best texture.

Variations

Mixed Berry Cheesecake Bars

• Add Mixed Berries:
  • Replace the blueberries with a mix of berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

• Add Raspberries:
  • Replace the blueberries with fresh raspberries for a tangy twist.

Gluten-Free Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Crust:
  • Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

Desserts

• With Whipped Cream:
  • Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Snacks

• Afternoon Snack:
  • Enjoy a bar with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

Potluck

• Party Favorite:
  • These bars are perfect for potlucks or parties. Arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time? A: Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze cheesecake bars? A: Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of fruit? A: Yes, you can substitute the blueberries with other fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, or diced peaches.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese? A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their creamy cheesecake filling, fresh blueberries, and zesty lemon flavor, these bars are sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these bars are easy to make and always a hit. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars with your family and friends!