Description
Sweet, crumbly blueberry cream cheese bars deliver a heavenly dessert experience that dances between tangy and rich. Buttery graham cracker crust cradles smooth cream cheese filling swirled with fresh blueberry compote, promising pure indulgence you’ll savor with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and arrange a parchment paper liner in a 9×9-inch baking pan for easy removal.
- Craft a robust graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter, then firmly press into the pan base. Toast the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar together until silky smooth, incorporating eggs individually to maintain a velvety texture. Fold in vanilla and sour cream until fully integrated.
- Gently cascade the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Create a vibrant blueberry compote by simmering berries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy appearance.
- Allow the blueberry sauce to cool slightly, then delicately spread across the cream cheese layer for a burst of fruity color.
- Optional: Develop a rustic crumble topping by combining flour, brown sugar, oats, and chilled butter, working the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Scatter the crumble over the blueberry layer for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the cream cheese filling sets and develops a subtle golden hue.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal slicing and serving consistency.
Notes
- Adjust sugar levels by swapping with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness profile that complements the tangy cream cheese.
- Ensure cream cheese is room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth filling that spreads effortlessly.
- Replace graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicious crumbly texture.
- Try mixed berries like raspberries or blackberries to create vibrant color variations and add complex fruity undertones to the classic blueberry topping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 121
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg