Description
Sumptuous lemon blueberry cheesecake bars blend zesty citrus with sweet berries in a creamy dessert. Rich graham cracker crust and tangy cream cheese filling will delight lovers of classic American sweets.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blueberry Topping:
- 1 cup (150 grams) fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into a parchment-lined 9×13 baking dish and toast at 350F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Whip cream cheese, sugar, and salt until velvety and uniform. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring smooth integration after each addition.
- Fold in sour cream, creating a luxurious texture. Infuse brightness with fresh lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla extract.
- Generate a vibrant blueberry compote by simmering berries with sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Cascade the creamy cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
- Artfully drizzle and swirl the deep purple blueberry sauce across the cheesecake layer, creating elegant marble-like patterns.
- Bake at 325F for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect custard consistency.
- Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to set and develop optimal flavor and texture.
- Slice into clean, precise bars using a heated knife for pristine presentation.
Notes
- Prevent cracking by avoiding overbeating the cheesecake filling and baking in a water bath for even, gentle heat distribution.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat-based cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, maintaining the dessert’s sweetness while making it more diabetic-friendly.
- Ensure blueberry sauce doesn’t sink completely by gently dropping spoonfuls and using a toothpick to create elegant swirl patterns on top of the cheesecake filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 164
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 36 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg