Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these scrumptious blueberry cream cheese bars! They’re the perfect combination of a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a creamy, dreamy filling that will have everyone begging for the recipe. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering—my Aunt Carol couldn’t stop raving about them! It was one of those moments where I felt like a rockstar in the kitchen. The sweet burst of fresh blueberries mixed with the rich cream cheese is just divine. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these bars have become my go-to dessert for special occasions. They’re so easy to whip up, and they always impress! Are you ready to dive into this delightful recipe?
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This will be the base of your crust, giving it that lovely structure. Make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is essential for blending smoothly into the crust. It adds that rich, buttery flavor that makes it melt in your mouth.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the buttery crust. This helps create a nice, tender texture.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: This is where the creaminess comes into play. Make sure it’s softened so it blends beautifully into your filling.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This gives the filling a lovely sweetness and smooth texture—perfect for that creamy bite!
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: The star of the show! Fresh blueberries add a burst of flavor and color, making these bars so inviting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors in the cream cheese filling. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 egg: This helps bind the filling together and gives it that rich, custardy texture that’s simply irresistible.
How to Prepare the Scrumptious Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want to set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your bars bake evenly right from the start. Trust me, no one likes undercooked dessert bars!
Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix it together until everything is well combined and crumbly. The goal here is a nice, cohesive mixture that’s easy to work with. Once mixed, press this buttery goodness firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish—make sure it’s evenly spread so every bite is delicious!
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Now, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In another bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 egg. You want to mix it until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This is where the magic happens, so take your time to get it just right. The texture should be velvety and inviting.
Assemble and Bake
Spread that luscious cream cheese filling over the crust you just made, making sure it covers every inch. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of fresh blueberries evenly on top. Pop the whole thing into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are slightly golden and the center is set—no jiggling allowed!
Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the bars cool in the dish for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here! Allow them to cool completely for the best texture, then cut them into squares. Each piece will be a perfect little slice of heaven just waiting to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for beginner bakers!
- Deliciously creamy filling paired with a buttery crust.
- Fresh blueberries add a burst of flavor and color.
- Great for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
- Vegetarian-friendly and can be made with frozen blueberries if fresh aren’t available.
Tips for Success
To ensure your scrumptious blueberry cream cheese bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips. First, use room-temperature ingredients—this makes mixing so much easier and helps achieve that creamy texture. Next, don’t skip the preheating step; it really does make a difference in even baking! Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; every oven is different, so check for doneness by gently shaking the pan—if the center is set and doesn’t jiggle too much, they’re ready! Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting; it’s worth the wait for that perfect slice!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each scrumptious blueberry cream cheese bar contains approximately 180 calories, 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. They also have about 10g of sugar and 150mg of sodium. So, while you indulge in these delightful treats, you can enjoy them knowing they strike a balance between flavor and satisfaction!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well, especially when fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the filling to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when my blueberry cream cheese bars are done?
Great question! You’ll want to look for the edges to be slightly golden and the center should be set—no more jiggling. A gentle shake of the pan can help you check this!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These scrumptious blueberry cream cheese bars actually taste even better after a day in the fridge. Just let them cool completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between each slice. This prevents any sticking and makes your bars look picture-perfect!
Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check the other ingredients as well!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your scrumptious blueberry cream cheese bars, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to 5 days—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge. No reheating is necessary—just slice and enjoy chilled for that creamy, refreshing treat!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out this blueberry cream cheese bread recipe or this creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe!
Print
Scrumptious Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe to Delight You
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious blueberry cream cheese bars with a creamy filling and a buttery crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Top with fresh blueberries evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable.
- Allow bars to cool completely for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: blueberry cream cheese bars, dessert bars, easy dessert recipe
