Craving a decadent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These blueberry cheesecake bars are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake filling and sweet, juicy blueberries, all baked on a buttery shortbread crust. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply a delightful weeknight treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy, healthy-ish, and absolutely delicious homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your bars won't stick and makes cleanup a breeze!
Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix; you want some larger pieces of butter remaining for a flaky crust.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure an even layer.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
Bake and Cool:
- Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and the center is just slightly jiggly. Don't overbake! Overbaking can lead to cracks.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents crumbling.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust: Use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar, or add a tablespoon of melted butter to the crust mixture.
- Add some zest: Enhance the flavor of the filling by adding the zest of one lemon or lime.
- Mix it up: Use different berries like raspberries or strawberries instead of blueberries, or combine them for a mixed berry cheesecake bar.
- Make it ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on the size of the bar)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Protein: Around 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g
This simple recipe provides a delicious and relatively quick way to enjoy a homemade dessert. These blueberry cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion, and the impressive results will surely have everyone asking for more! Enjoy!