Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

The Dreamiest Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Ever Made

Blending rich cream cheese with sweet blueberry compote creates a dreamy dessert that melts in your mouth.

Soft layers promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking a delectable treat.

Creamy textures and bursts of fruity flavor combine perfectly in each bite.

Weekend baking becomes a delightful adventure with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps ensure success for home bakers of all skill levels.

Smooth, tangy cheese meets juicy blueberries in a harmonious dance of flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single square of this irresistible bar.

Dive into this delightful recipe and experience pure dessert magic.

What Makes Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Special

What Makes Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Special
  • Whip Up Effortless Dessert: These bars offer a simple, no-fuss approach to creating a delicious treat that doesn't require advanced baking skills.
  • Celebrate Versatile Flavor Combination: Creamy cream cheese perfectly complements the sweet-tart burst of blueberries, creating a mouthwatering dessert that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
  • Perfect for Sharing: The compact 8×8 inch size makes these bars ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap blueberries for other seasonal fruits or add a sprinkle of lemon zest to create your own unique twist on this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Everything Needed for Blueberry Cream Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure to the crust.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness to both the crust and filling.
Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the filling.
  • Egg: Helps bind and set the cream cheese mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the filling.
Fruit Topping:
  • Blueberries: Brings a fresh, sweet-tart burst of flavor and vibrant color to the bars.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your 8×8 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Flour

Blend everything until you get a delightful crumbly texture.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact layer.

Step 3: Toast the Crust

Slide the crust into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Once done, pull it out and let it cool down completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab another bowl and beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture.

Step 5: Layer and Decorate

Pour the cream cheese blend over the cooled crust.

Sprinkle fresh blueberries across the top, distributing them evenly for a burst of fruity goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the filling sets and looks beautifully firm.

Let the bars cool completely before slicing into delectable squares.

Helpful Notes for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  • Pat blueberries dry before sprinkling to reduce excess moisture and keep the crust crisp.
  • Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a silky texture.
  • Insert a toothpick near the center – it should come out mostly clean with slight moisture.
  • Sprinkle lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture for a bright, tangy undertone.
  • Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Fun Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the same creamy texture and sweet blueberry flavor.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with a flax egg to create a plant-based dessert that's equally rich and satisfying.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use fresh blueberries to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic dessert profile.
  • Lemon Berry Remix: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling and use a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a tangy, colorful variation that brings extra brightness to the original recipe.

What Goes Best With Blueberry Cream Bars

  • Dessert Duo Delight: Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy contrast.
  • Summer Brunch Treat: Serve alongside fresh mint tea or iced coffee during lazy weekend mornings for a delightful light breakfast.
  • Elegant Party Platter: Cut into small bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter with fresh blueberries scattered around for a stunning dessert presentation.
  • Berry Sauce Drizzle: Create a quick blueberry compote by simmering extra blueberries with a touch of sugar and drizzle over the bars for added fruity intensity.

Store Blueberry Cream Bars the Right Way

  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual bars or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual bars on microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can make cream cheese filling runny.
  • Place bars on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 325F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain original texture and prevents edges from becoming too crisp.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but don’t thaw them first. Add them directly from the freezer to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape.

  • How do I know when the cream cheese filling is fully set?

The filling is set when it looks slightly firm and doesn’t jiggle too much when you gently shake the pan. It should have a slight golden color around the edges.

  • What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Use full-fat block cream cheese at room temperature for the smoothest, richest filling. Avoid low-fat or whipped cream cheese as they can affect the texture.

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Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Blueberry cream cheese bars bring creamy, tangy sweetness to a classic dessert. Fresh blueberries and rich cream cheese create a delightful treat you’ll crave with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg

Crust and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar

Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and coat an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Combine melted butter, sugar, and flour in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Firmly press the crumbly dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a compact, even base layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
  6. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  7. Scatter fresh blueberries across the top of the cream cheese layer, distributing them uniformly.
  8. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the filling to set and become slightly firm.
  9. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
  10. Refrigerate for an additional hour to enhance flavor and achieve a firmer texture before serving.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent color bleeding into the cream cheese layer.
  • Press crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable base that won’t crumble when cutting bars.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to help filling set and achieve clean, neat cuts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 225 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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