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To make Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars, gather these items: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) Measuring accurately is key for great results. Use a dry measuring cup for crumbs and sugar. For liquids, a liquid measuring cup works best. If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, use crushed cookies or nuts. You can swap the butter for coconut oil if needed. For a lighter option, consider low-fat cream cheese. If you don’t have fresh blueberries, frozen ones can work, but they may make the batter a bit watery. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Fresh lemons give a bright flavor that dried zest can’t match. Using fresh blueberries adds sweetness and texture. They burst in your mouth, giving each bite a juicy surprise. Always aim for ripe, plump blueberries. They not only look great, but they also boost the flavor of your bars. Choosing high-quality products will lead to better results and a more enjoyable treat. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the crumbs are coated well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. Make sure it is even. Bake it for 8-10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool. In a large bowl, place 16 ounces of softened cream cheese. Beat it until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup of sugar and mix until creamy. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Blend it all together until it is well mixed and smooth. Next, gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries. If you want a thicker filling, you can add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Be careful not to break the blueberries too much. Pour the cheesecake mixture over your cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly across the top. Bake this in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The center should be set but still jiggle a bit. After baking, take it out and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you can wait. When ready, garnish with more fresh blueberries and cut into squares. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get a creamy texture in your cheesecake bars, start with softened cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps. I recommend leaving it out for about an hour before mixing. Mix the cream cheese alone first until it's smooth. Then, slowly add sugar and other ingredients. This will keep the mixture fluffy and light. Cracks can ruin the look of your cheesecake bars. To prevent this, avoid overbaking them. They should be set but still jiggle in the center. Another tip is to bake them in a water bath. This keeps the temperature steady and moist. Lastly, let the bars cool slowly. Rapid changes in temperature can cause cracks. Serving your cheesecake bars can be fun! After slicing, place them on a nice platter. Add fresh blueberries on top for color. You can also drizzle lemon sauce for a pop of flavor. For a fancy touch, use a sprig of mint. These small details will impress your guests and make your dessert shine. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips! {{image_2}} You can mix up your Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars easily. Try adding raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. These fruits add a splash of color and flavor. You can use one fruit or a mix. Just remember to adjust the sugar. Some fruits are sweeter than blueberries. Keep the lemon zest and juice for that tangy taste. If you want to change the crust, there are many choices. You could use crushed Oreos for a chocolate twist. Almond flour mixed with coconut oil makes a gluten-free crust. For a nut-free option, use crushed rice cereal. Each crust brings a new flavor to the bars. Experiment to find your favorite! Making vegan Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars is simple. Use vegan cream cheese and a flax egg instead of regular eggs. For a gluten-free version, swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free cookies or nuts. Both options still taste great and keep the spirit of the dessert. You can enjoy these bars with different diets in mind. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your blueberry lemon cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to block moisture and odors. You can also cover the bars with plastic wrap. This way, they stay safe and tasty for longer. If you want to keep them for days, try using parchment paper between layers. This helps avoid sticking. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. These bars can last in the fridge for about five days. They taste best when chilled. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them. Just place a square on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat. You want them warm but not hot. Enjoy your delicious treat! For the full recipe, check the section above. You can tell when the cheesecake bars are done by checking the center. It should be set but still jiggle slightly. A good test is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean, the bars are ready. Remember, they will firm up as they cool. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. They work well and save time. Just remember, the berries may release more juice. This can make the filling a bit softer, so reduce the amount of lemon juice slightly. If you want, you can also thaw and drain them first. These cheesecake bars pair well with many things. You can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh mint leaves add a nice touch too. For drinks, a cup of tea or lemonade brings out the flavors. Feel free to get creative with sides! For the full recipe, check the detailed steps to make these delicious bars. In this article, we explored how to make Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. We covered the key ingredients, offered step-by-step instructions, and shared tips for the perfect texture. You learned about fun variations, best storage practices, and common questions to help your baking. Making these bars is easy and fun. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. With practice, your cheesecake bars will impress everyone. Get baking and share your delicious results!

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the delightful taste of Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars with this easy recipe! Featuring a creamy filling with tangy lemon and fresh blueberries atop a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are the perfect summer dessert. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, each bite is a burst of flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with these irresistible treats!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons sugar

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out later.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.

      Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool.

        In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and continue to mix until creamy.

          Add the vanilla extract, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Blend until thoroughly mixed and smooth.

            Gently fold in the fresh blueberries (and cornstarch if using to thicken). Be careful not to break the blueberries too much.

              Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it evenly.

                Bake the cheesecake bars in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

                  Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or preferably overnight) before slicing into bars.

                    When ready to serve, garnish with additional fresh blueberries on top and cut into squares.

                      Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 4 hrs | Servings: 9