Go Back
To make the best lemon blueberry cheesecake bars, you'll need: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - Zest of 1 lemon - ¼ cup fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries These ingredients create a rich and creamy cheesecake filling with a crisp crust. You can enhance your cheesecake bars with: - Powdered sugar for dusting - Fresh blueberries for garnish - Lemon slices for a bright touch These additions bring a pop of color and extra flavor. Each serving of these delicious bars has: - Calories: Approximately 220 - Total Fat: 12g - Saturated Fat: 7g - Cholesterol: 60mg - Sodium: 150mg - Total Carbohydrates: 25g - Dietary Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 14g - Protein: 4g These numbers can help you plan your treat while enjoying a fresh taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking dish. Line an 8x8 inch dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs look like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined dish. Make sure it is even and flat. In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, add the zest of 1 lemon, ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until everything is well mixed. Now it’s time for the blueberries! Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of fresh blueberries. Be careful not to crush them. You want to keep those beautiful berries whole for texture and flavor. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The center should be slightly set and jiggle just a bit when you shake it. Once baked, take it out and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This helps the bars set perfectly. To get the best crust, use fresh graham cracker crumbs. You can crush the crackers in a food processor or use a zip-top bag. Mix the crumbs well with melted butter and sugar. This makes the crust hold together. Press it firmly into the baking dish. Bake it for about 10 minutes. This step sets the crust and adds flavor. For a creamy cheesecake, start with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese mixes poorly. Beat it with sugar until smooth. Add eggs slowly, mixing well after each. This helps the texture stay light and fluffy. Make sure you mix in the lemon juice and zest fully. This adds flavor and keeps the filling smooth. To serve, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into equal squares for a nice look. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Add fresh blueberries and lemon slices on top for color. You can also serve these bars with whipped cream. This makes them even more special and adds creaminess. Pro Tips Chill for Best Results: For a firmer texture, make sure to chill the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is even better! Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries not only taste better but also provide a beautiful burst of color. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture. Check for Doneness: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. Overbaking can lead to cracks. Perfect Parchment Overhang: When lining the baking dish with parchment, leave enough overhang to easily lift the bars out after cooling. {{image_2}} You can switch blueberries for other fruits. Strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches work well. Use fresh fruit when possible for the best flavor. You can also mix fruits for a fun twist. A berry medley adds color and taste to your bars. To make a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. You can also use almond flour or crushed nuts. Mix these with melted butter and press them into the pan. This option keeps your cheesecake bars tasty and safe for gluten-free friends. If you want to cut sugar, try using sugar-free sweeteners. Stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit are great substitutes. Use them in the same amount as granulated sugar. These options keep the cheesecake bars sweet without added sugar. Just check the brand's instructions for best results. For best taste, store any leftover cheesecake bars in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Simply cut the bars and place them in the container. They will stay good for about 5 days. If you want extra flavor, cover them with some plastic wrap before sealing. You can freeze these cheesecake bars for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely in the fridge. Then, cut them into bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, take the bars out of the fridge. You can enjoy them cold, but if you want them warm, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too warm. Enjoy your lemon blueberry cheesecake bars just how you like them! Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. They may release more juice, making the bars slightly wetter. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the cheesecake filling. This keeps the texture nice and firm. These cheesecake bars can last up to five days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The flavors will deepen as they sit, making them even tastier! Absolutely! Making these cheesecake bars a day ahead is a great idea. This allows them to chill and set properly. They will taste even better after a night in the fridge. Just cover them well to keep them fresh. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. These options will change the taste and texture but still work well. For a vegan option, use cashew cream or a store-bought vegan cream cheese. Lemon blueberry cheesecake bars combine sweet and tangy flavors for a delicious treat. I shared simple steps to make them from scratch, ensuring a perfect crust and creamy filling. You can explore variations, like using different fruits or gluten-free crusts. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly. Enjoy making these bars to impress friends and family! These treats are easy, fun, and sure to be a hit. Keep these tips in mind for the best results every time!

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Delicious and creamy cheesecake bars with a refreshing lemon and blueberry flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 zest lemon
  • 0.25 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups fresh blueberries
  • optional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are moistened and resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
  • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¾ cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is slightly set and only jiggles slightly when shaken.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
  • Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the baking dish. Cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Arrange the bars on a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh blueberries and lemon slices for a vibrant presentation.
Keyword bars, blueberry, cheesecake, dessert, lemon