Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy cheesecakes and refreshing lemon desserts, you’ll absolutely love Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars! These bars combine the tangy, zesty flavor of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The smooth and creamy cheesecake filling is studded with fresh blueberries and topped with a swirl of lemon flavor, creating the perfect bite every time. Keep reading to find out how to make these irresistible lemon blueberry cheesecake bars and impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing dessert.

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What Are Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?

Lemon blueberry cheesecake bars are a layered dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling that’s flavored with lemon and dotted with fresh blueberries. The combination of tart lemon, sweet blueberries, and smooth cream cheese creates a balanced and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars are great for summer gatherings, but their bright, citrusy flavors make them a welcome treat all year round.

Unlike a traditional cheesecake, which can be a bit more time-consuming to make and serve, these cheesecake bars are baked in a 9x13-inch pan and cut into squares, making them much easier to slice and share. Plus, they’re perfect for portion control!

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Ingredients List for Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full graham crackers)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if out of season)

For the Lemon Swirl (optional but recommended):

• ¼ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

For Garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Additional fresh blueberries
• Lemon zest curls

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Substitutions and Variations

This lemon blueberry cheesecake bars recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to switch up ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Substitutions:

• Graham Cracker Crust: If you want a different crust base, you can substitute the graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafer cookies, or even crushed shortbread cookies.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Cream Cheese: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Neufchâtel cheese, though the bars may be slightly less rich.
• Sugar Alternatives: For a lower-sugar option, substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, keeping in mind it may affect the flavor slightly.

Variations:

• Mixed Berries: Swap out the blueberries for a mix of berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a fun twist. You can also use frozen mixed berries if fresh berries aren’t available.
• Citrus Variety: Instead of lemon, try adding lime or orange zest and juice to the cheesecake filling for a different citrus flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers: For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top of the bars before serving. This pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lemon and sweetness of the blueberries.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making lemon blueberry cheesecake bars is simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure you get the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s walk through the process!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking. Grease the parchment paper lightly with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.

Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan

Pour the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat spatula to press the crumbs evenly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure the crust is firm and compact. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Gradually add the sugar and beat until fully combined and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the filling is smooth.

Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold the fresh or frozen blueberries into the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to break the berries and turn the cheesecake filling purple.

Step 6: Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Add the Lemon Swirl (Optional)

If you’re using lemon curd for the swirl, drop small dollops of lemon curd evenly across the surface of the cheesecake filling. Use a toothpick or a butter knife to gently swirl the lemon curd into the filling, creating a marbled effect.

Step 8: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Once the cheesecake bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles.

If desired, dust the bars with powdered sugar, garnish with fresh blueberries, or add extra lemon zest for a decorative touch.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the cheesecake bars. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Undermixing the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing, and beat it thoroughly to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
• Skipping the Cooling Process: Allowing the bars to cool completely before chilling in the fridge is essential. If you cut into the bars before they’ve chilled, they’ll be too soft and may not hold their shape.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

These lemon blueberry cheesecake bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. A few simple serving tips can elevate their presentation for any occasion.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Serve these bars chilled, straight from the refrigerator, for the best texture and flavor. If you want to get extra fancy, serve them on a dessert plate with a drizzle of extra lemon curd or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings or brunches.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

1. Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a few fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of each bar for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Lemon Zest Curls: Create thin curls of lemon zest using a vegetable peeler or zester and place them on top of the bars for a visually striking garnish.
3. Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for a classic, elegant touch.
4. Decorative Plate: Serve the bars on a white or brightly colored plate to highlight the vibrant yellow and blue hues of the bars.

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Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference in this recipe. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same bright, zesty flavor.
• Prevent Cracks: To avoid cracks in the cheesecake, bake the bars in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam. Cracks are less likely in bars than in a full cheesecake, but the steam can help maintain a smooth surface.
• Storage: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones aren’t available. However, don’t thaw the blueberries before adding them to the filling, as this can cause them to release too much moisture and turn the filling purple.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, cheesecake bars are best when made ahead of time. You can prepare them the day before and let them chill in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to fully develop and makes slicing easier.

3. What’s the best way to cut cheesecake bars cleanly?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean with a warm, damp cloth between each slice. This prevents the creamy filling from sticking to the knife and ensures neat, even slices.

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Conclusion

Lemon blueberry cheesecake bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon, and sweet, juicy blueberries. With their buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and vibrant citrus flavor, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a summer barbecue, a holiday dessert table, or just because, these cheesecake bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to customize it with your favorite variations and toppings!

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