Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars for a Sweet Treat 🍇🧀

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a fruity dessert that’s both rich and refreshing, these blueberry cream cheese bars are the perfect choice. Combining the tartness of blueberries with creamy cheese and a buttery crust, this recipe creates a delightful treat suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at brunch or as a sweet ending to dinner, these blueberry bars will surely impress your family and friends.

2. Ingredients for blueberry cream cheese bars

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

3. How to make blueberry cream cheese bars

Preparing the crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Making the cream cheese filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Preparing the blueberry topping

In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with lemon juice. Distribute the blueberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. For added flavor, you can reserve a few blueberries for garnishing after baking.

Baking the blueberry cream cheese bars

Bake the assembled bars at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

4. Storage tips for blueberry cream cheese bars

Store leftover blueberry cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator or serve chilled for best results.

5. Serving suggestions and presentation ideas

Serve these blueberry bars chilled or at room temperature. Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh blueberries or mint leaves for an appealing presentation. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about blueberry cream cheese bars

Can I substitute fresh blueberries with frozen ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture that could affect the texture of the bars.

Are blueberry cream cheese bars suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check that all ingredients, such as baking powder, are certified gluten-free.

How long does it take to prepare and bake these blueberry cheesecake bars?

The total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes of baking and cooling time. Overall, plan for about 50 minutes from start to finish.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Elevate your baking experience with high-quality cookware that ensures even baking and easy cleanup for these blueberry cream cheese bars.
• Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep your ingredients fresh and chilled while prepping your dessert.
• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Effortlessly wash and prep your blueberries with this versatile kitchen tool.
• KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – Perfect for mixing the cream cheese filling smoothly and efficiently.
• Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker – For preparing a variety of baked desserts, including crusts and other pastry recipes.

8. Conclusion

Indulge in the sweet, fruity flavor of these blueberry cream cheese bars, a delightful dessert that combines creamy, tangy, and tart tastes in every bite. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy this fruity dessert whenever you crave a little sweetness. Happy baking!

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