Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe | Easy & Delicious

Craving a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make?

Look no further! These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the answer to your sweet tooth prayers. They boast a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling bursting with lemon zest and juicy blueberries, and a perfect balance of sweet and tart. They’re seriously addictive, and the best part? They’re much simpler to make than a full-sized cheesecake!

Why You’ll Love It

• The bright, tangy lemon perfectly complements the sweetness of the blueberries and cheesecake.
• The creamy cheesecake filling melts in your mouth and the graham cracker crust adds the perfect amount of buttery crunch.
• They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and baking time, even for beginner bakers.
• These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a special treat for yourself.
• You can customize them with different fruits, toppings, or crusts to suit your preferences.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and balanced flavors. We’re not using complicated techniques here, just fresh, quality ingredients. The combination of lemon zest right in the cheesecake batter, and the juicy blueberries creates a lovely, vibrant dessert that’s incredibly satisfying. These bars are also designed to be perfectly portioned, making them ideal for sharing or enjoying a small treat without feeling overwhelmed. The use of lemon zest rather than just lemon juice ensures a more aromatic and intense lemon flavor throughout the filling.

Ingredient List

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
• For the Filling:
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (The zest adds a wonderful citrus aroma and brightness to the cheesecake.)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 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 graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and sour cream, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Once completely cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. This will allow them to firm up nicely.
10. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan, then cut into bars.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Here are some fun additions to make this dessert even more special:

• Lemon Glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
• Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
• Extra Blueberries: Scatter a few more fresh blueberries on top of the bars before baking or after cooling.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling.
• Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter; mix until just combined to prevent cracks.
• For easy cutting, chill the cheesecake bars completely before slicing, even overnight is better!
• If your crust is browning too quickly, tent the pan lightly with foil.
• Use fresh lemon zest; it adds much more flavor than lemon juice alone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but don’t thaw them before adding to the batter. They may release a bit of juice, which can make the batter slightly more watery, but the end result will be fine. If you do use frozen berries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour prior to folding them into the batter, this will help reduce any bleeding of the berries during baking.

• Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?
  

  Absolutely! You can use shortbread cookies, crushed digestive biscuits, or even a gluten-free crust alternative.

• How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
  

  Avoid overmixing the batter, and don’t overbake the bars. Letting them cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar can also help.

• How long will the cheesecake bars keep?
  

  These bars will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen, individually wrapped, for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

• Can I make these ahead of time?
  

  Yes! They’re actually better after chilling for a few hours, or even overnight. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and personalize your cheesecake bars:

• Berry Mix: Use a mix of raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries instead of blueberries.
• Lime Version: Substitute lime zest for lemon zest for a slightly different citrus flavor.
• Coconut Crust: Add some shredded coconut to the graham cracker crust for a tropical twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate.
• Streusel Topping: Add a buttery streusel topping over the cheesecake batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are wonderful on their own, but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries. They are also fantastic served with a cup of coffee or tea, or as part of a dessert platter at your next gathering.

Conclusion

These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of ease and deliciousness. The creamy texture, bright flavors, and beautiful presentation make them a crowd-pleaser every time. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try! We’re sure you’ll fall in love with it just like we have. Don’t forget to share your beautiful photos with us and subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing recipes!