Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are a dreamy combination of creamy cheesecake layered with luscious blueberries and topped with a crunchy crumble, reminiscent of the lazy summer afternoons spent picking berries. These bars are not just a treat; they’re a delicious trip down memory lane. The smooth, velvety cream cheese filling mingled with vibrant, juicy blueberries gives every bite an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. What makes this dessert even more appealing is how quickly and effortlessly it comes together. Perfect for gatherings, kid-friendly, or simply a rich afternoon delight, this Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars recipe is a must-bake!

Are you ready to dive into a berry-filled bliss?

Just imagine indulging in a sweet, creamy dessert that also brings a hint of nostalgia. How does a slice of blueberry cheesecake sound to you? Can you picture the gooey creaminess melting in your mouth while the crumble topping adds that perfect crunch? Whether you are entertaining friends or simply treating yourself after a long week, these bars will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall head over heels for these Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars for several reasons:

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, novice bakers will feel like pros!
Crowd-Pleaser: No gathering is complete without a dessert that grabs everyone’s attention.
Minimal Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, meaning you can whip this up at a moment’s notice.
Versatile: You can use fresh or frozen blueberries based on availability, making it a year-round delight.

This recipe checks all the boxes for a decadent dessert!

Ingredients

To create these mouth-watering Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars, gather the following ingredients:

Cooking Spray: For easy removal of your bars once baked.
15 Graham Crackers: The base of our cheesecake, delivering that classic dessert crunch.
1 Large Egg: This helps bind everything together.
5 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Melted: Adds richness to the crust.
2 tsp. Granulated Sugar: For subtle sweetness in the crust.
1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
2 (8-ounce) pkg. Cream Cheese, Room Temperature: The star of our dish, adding creaminess.
1 Large Egg, Room Temperature: For the creamy filling texture.
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar: Extra sweetness for the filling.
1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavors!
2 Cups Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Bursting with flavor and juiciness.
1/4 Cup Blueberry Jam: Enhances the blueberry flavor with sweetness.
3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour: For creating a crumbly topping.
5 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Melted: Rich flavor for the topping.
3 Tbsp. Dark Brown Sugar: Adds complexity to the crumble.
2 tsp. Finely Grated Lemon Zest: Brightens up the whole dish.
1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the topping.

The combination of these ingredients will yield bars that are tender, sweet, and utterly addictive!

Timing: Baking Bliss

The best part about these bars is that they can be prepared relatively quickly compared to traditional cheesecakes, which often require hours of chilled setting time. You can be savoring a slice of Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars in just over an hour. The effort and waiting time are worth every second when you bite into that rich, creamy goodness and the crunchy topping.

Step-by-Step

Preheat the Oven: Start by arranging a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat to 325°F (160°C). Spray a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, combine the graham crackers, egg white (reserve the yolk for the filling), melted butter, sugar, and salt. Process until fine crumbs form. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl of a stand mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the sugar, followed by the reserved egg yolk and the whole egg, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add in the vanilla extract and blend until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the prepared crust.
Prepare the Blueberry Layer: In a separate bowl, gently mash the blueberries and fold in the blueberry jam. Dollop this delicious mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
Create the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, dark brown sugar, melted butter, lemon zest, and salt until it forms soft crumbs. Sprinkle this topping generously over the blueberry layer.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the edges are firm but the center remains slightly jiggly. Allow to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Slice and Serve: Once chilled, gently lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice them into squares and serve to your eager friends and family!

Every step in this baking process is a sensory delight, with the aromas wafting through your kitchen and the promise of something truly scrumptious coming to life.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars is approximately 250 calories. While desserts should always be enjoyed in moderation, these will surely make your cheat day feel indulgent and worthwhile!

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to lighten up your Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars?

Replace traditional cream cheese with a low-fat or dairy-free option to cut down on calories.
Opt for a sugar substitute in the filling and topping to reduce sugar content.
Swap out all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free alternative!

You can absolutely enjoy these bars while sticking to healthier dietary choices.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect for any occasion:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or cheesecake-flavored ice cream pairs beautifully with the buttery, crumbly topping.
At Holiday Gatherings: They make an attractive centerpiece for any dessert table during family celebrations.
For Afternoon Tea: Their portability makes them great for picnics or tea parties!

No matter when you serve them, they are sure to impress.

Common Mistakes

Here are a few mistakes to avoid to ensure your Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars turn out perfect:

Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; they should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Texture Issues: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
Creating a Mess: Grease your pan well, and use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.

Avoiding these pitfalls will make your baking experience seamless and enjoyable.

Storing Tips

To keep your Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars fresh:

Freezing Portions: You can freeze them in individual portions—just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Reheating Instructions: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to indulge!

Storing them properly ensures that you can enjoy this berrylicious treat even longer!

Tempted to Bake It ASAP?

Don’t wait any longer; let the kitchen be filled with the delicious smell of these delectable Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars! Whether it’s for a family gathering or a simple self-reward, this recipe is sure to steal the show. The balance of creamy cheesecake, sweet blueberries, and crunchy topping is an enchanting dance of flavors that you cannot resist. Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready for an unforgettable baking adventure—you won’t regret it!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work just as well—no need to thaw them first.
How long can I store these bars?
They can be stored in the fridge for up to one week and in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! They taste even better after chilling, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Yes! Just replace the graham crackers with gluten-free ones and use almond flour for the crumble.
What’s the best way to slice these bars?
Use a sharp knife that has been warmed under hot water, wiping it clean between slices for cleaner cuts.

Go grab your ingredients today and savor the experience of baking these scrumptious Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars!