Blueberry cream cheese bars are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of cream cheese with the sweet burst of blueberries, all atop a buttery oat crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you're hosting a party, craving a sweet afternoon snack, or looking for a dessert to impress your guests. In this recipe, we will walk you through all the steps, ensuring your blueberry cream cheese bars turn out perfect every time. Read on to discover how to make this delectable dessert!
What Are Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars? Blueberry cream cheese bars are a layered dessert consisting of a buttery, slightly crunchy oat crust, a creamy and smooth layer of sweetened cream cheese, and a topping of fresh or frozen blueberries. The combination of flavors and textures makes these bars irresistible to anyone who takes a bite. The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are simple to find, making it an accessible dessert for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients List for the Crust and Crumble Topping:
To make the delicious crust and crumble topping for these blueberry cream cheese bars, you'll need the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup butter, softened: The butter forms the base of the crust and helps bind the ingredients together.
- ⅔ cup sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the flavors of the tart blueberries and rich cream cheese.
- ⅔ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar provides a caramel-like flavor and adds moisture to the crust.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust rise slightly and adds a bit of texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the overall dessert.
- 1 ⅓ cups flour: All-purpose flour is the base for the crust.
- 1 ⅓ cups quick oats (uncooked): Oats give the crust a hearty texture and provide the crumble topping with a pleasant chew.
Ingredients List for the Cream Cheese Filling and Blueberry Topping:
Now, for the rich cream cheese filling and the sweet blueberry topping, you will need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese: The star ingredient for the creamy middle layer.
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture to the cream cheese mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a hint of flavor that complements the blueberries and cream cheese perfectly.
- 1 egg yolk: Helps bind the cream cheese filling and gives it a silky texture.
- 1 cup blueberries (or raspberries): You can use fresh or frozen berries. Blueberries are the classic choice, but raspberries work just as well for a tangy twist.
Substitutions and Variations:
Blueberry cream cheese bars are highly versatile, allowing you to make several substitutions or adjustments based on dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Fruit Variations: Don’t have blueberries? Try using raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of different berries. Frozen berries work just as well as fresh ones.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version of these bars.
- Sugar Substitutes: Swap out the granulated and brown sugar with coconut sugar, or use a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a healthier option.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace the butter with vegan butter, use a plant-based cream cheese, and swap the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create these delicious blueberry cream cheese bars.

- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crust and Crumble:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the baking soda and salt, mixing well to combine.
- Gradually mix in the flour and quick oats until the dough comes together.
- Press about ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Reserve the remaining dough for the crumble topping.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and egg yolk to the cream cheese, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Layer the Filling:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the oat crust in your baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add the Blueberries:
- Evenly sprinkle the blueberries (or raspberries) over the cream cheese filling. The berries will create pockets of sweetness and tartness with every bite.
- Top with Crumble:
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the blueberry and cream cheese layers. The crumble doesn’t need to fully cover the top; small gaps are perfectly fine and will give the bars a rustic look.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the cream cheese layer is set.
- Cool and Chill:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature.
- For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to fully set before slicing and serving.
How to Cook Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide:
Cooking these blueberry cream cheese bars is straightforward, but ensuring each layer is evenly spread and baked properly is key. Start by focusing on the oat crust. Press it firmly into your baking dish to avoid any unevenness. When making the cream cheese filling, be sure to beat the ingredients until smooth, as this will prevent lumps in the final product. Finally, make sure the crumble topping is distributed evenly but doesn’t completely cover the berries. These small details make a big difference in the final texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overmixing the Crust: When combining the oat mixture, be careful not to overmix. Overworking the dough can make the crust too dense.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before using. Cold ingredients don’t blend as well, leading to lumpy fillings or inconsistent texture.
- Undercooking: It’s tempting to pull the bars out of the oven early, but make sure the crumble is golden and the cream cheese filling is set to avoid a gooey center.
Serving and Presentation Tips:
- Chill Before Slicing: For clean and neat slices, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours after they’ve cooled. This will allow the cream cheese layer to firm up.
- Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your blueberry cream cheese bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:
These bars are ideal for brunch, dessert, or a snack. They can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. For a more elegant presentation, serve them on a dessert platter alongside fresh berries, or cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for a party or gathering.
Presentation Ideas for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusting powdered sugar over the bars before serving gives them a lovely, bakery-style finish.
- Garnish with Fresh Berries and Mint: A garnish of fresh blueberries or raspberries and a sprig of mint can elevate the presentation of these bars, making them look as good as they taste.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Tips:
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
- Freeze for Later: These bars freeze well. Once fully set, wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen blueberries?
- Yes! You can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese?
- Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version of these bars.
- How long do these bars last?
- Blueberry cream cheese bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
Blueberry cream cheese bars are an easy, versatile dessert that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these bars are sure to please. With the right ingredients and techniques, you'll have a batch of delicious, creamy, fruity bars in no time. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the combination of buttery crust, sweet blueberries, and rich cream cheese filling!
PrintBlueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery oat crust, a creamy filling of sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese, and fresh blueberries. Perfect for a dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ⅓ cups flour
- 1 ⅓ cups quick oats (uncooked)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup blueberries (or raspberries)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix in baking soda, salt, flour, and oats.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Top with blueberries and crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- an substitute raspberries for blueberries.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
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