Hello, dessert lovers! Are you ready to dive into a world of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries? This delightful recipe will guide you through making the most refreshing Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Let’s get started!
Introduction
Imagine biting into a bar that perfectly balances the tanginess of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries. These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also have a rich cultural background tied to classic cheesecake recipes. I remember the first time I made these bars for a family gathering – they were an instant hit! The unique combination of flavors makes these bars special and unforgettable.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting recipe, you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
F or the Blueberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Lemon slices
- Fresh blueberries
- White chocolate shavings
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Blueberry Layer: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries start to break down, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bars: Pour half of the lemon cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Spoon the blueberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Pour the remaining lemon cream cheese mixture over the blueberry layer and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Add the Topping: Before serving, spread whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake bars. Garnish with lemon slices, fresh blueberries, and white chocolate shavings.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth mixture.
- Fresh lemons provide the best flavor for both juice and zest.
Cooking Tips
- For a more intense blueberry flavor, add a few more blueberries to the mixture.
- Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these bars chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold lemonade for a refreshing treat.
Nutritional Information
These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also provide a refreshing and somewhat healthy treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 75mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 750 IU
- Vitamin C: 8mg
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 1mg
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat:
These bars are best enjoyed cold, but you can let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide the best flavor.
Related Recipes
Conclusion
Give these Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars a try and let us know how they turned out! We’d love to hear your feedback and see your own variations of this delightful recipe. Enjoy!
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Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe | Easy Dessert
Description
Hello, dessert lovers! Are you ready to dive into a world of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries? This delightful recipe will guide you through making the most refreshing Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Blueberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Lemon slices
- Fresh blueberries
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Blueberry Layer: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries start to break down, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bars: Pour half of the lemon cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Spoon the blueberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Pour the remaining lemon cream cheese mixture over the blueberry layer and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Add the Topping: Before serving, spread whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake bars. Garnish with lemon slices, fresh blueberries, and white chocolate shavings
Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth mixture.
- Fresh lemons provide the best flavor for both juice and zest.