Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the vibrant flavors of fresh blueberries. Perfect for summer gatherings, these bars are not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
Additional fresh blueberries for topping
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined, resembling wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until set and lightly golden.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the blueberries, taking care not to break them apart too much.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into bars.
Once chilled, cut into squares, top with additional blueberries, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
