Description
Rich blueberry cream cheese bars showcase summer’s sweetest flavors in a creamy, tangy dessert. Fresh blueberries and smooth cream cheese create a delightful treat you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
- 3 large eggs
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
Flavoring and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter, pressing firmly into an even layer across the bottom of the pan to create a compact base.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until velvety, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
- Introduce eggs individually, gently folding each one into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a smooth and consistent texture.
- Carefully pour the cream cheese batter over the prepared graham cracker crust, creating an even layer.
- Scatter fresh blueberries across the surface and sprinkle delicate lemon zest for a vibrant, aromatic touch.
- Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow bars to firm up and develop optimal flavor and texture.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing, creamy dessert.
Notes
- Choose ripe, fresh blueberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your bars.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure a silky smooth filling without lumps.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
- Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg