Indulge in the delightful blend of tangy lemons and sweet blueberries married in a velvety cheesecake. This recipe features the classic graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling bursting with fresh blueberries and lemons. Every bite promises a delicious mingling of flavors and textures, making these lemon blueberry cheesecake bars a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Photos of Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are quite common and should be readily available in a typical household kitchen. But pay extra attention to the quality of your cream cheese as it forms the base for your cheesecake filling. For the graham crackers, they can be found in the snack or cookie aisle at any supermarket. Fresh blueberries and lemons are usually available in the produce section. If fresh blueberries are not in season, you can substitute with frozen ones.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Graham crackers: Used to create the base of the cheesecake bars.
Unsalted butter: Gives the crust a rich flavor and helps to bind the graham cracker crumbs.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and filling.
Cream cheese: The key ingredient in the filling, providing the classic cheesecake texture and flavor.
Egg: Helps to bind the filling ingredients together.
Lemons: Provides a citrusy tang that balances the sweetness of the bars.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling.
Blueberries: Adds a burst of fruity flavor and contrasts nicely with the tangy lemon.
One reader, Julianna Linder says:
These lemon blueberry cheesecake bars are a delightful treat! The combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries is simply divine. The creamy texture and buttery crust make for a perfect indulgence. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a burst of refreshing flavors in every bite.
Techniques Required for Making Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
How to line the baking pan with parchment paper: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the baking pan, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
How to pulverize the graham crackers: Place the graham crackers in a food processor or blender and process until they form fine crumbs.
How to press the crust into the lined pan: Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the lined pan, creating an even layer.
How to beat the cream cheese: Use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the cream cheese for 1 minute on medium speed until smooth.
How to fold in the blueberries: Gently add the blueberries to the cheesecake filling and use a spatula to carefully fold them in until evenly distributed.
How to chill the bars in the refrigerator: After cooling at room temperature, place the pan in the refrigerator and chill the bars for at least 3 hours to allow them to set before cutting into squares.
How To Make Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Tangy and sweet, these cheesecake bars are loaded with blueberry and cream cheese goodness, plus a hint of zesty lemon, in every decadent bite!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Crust:
- 10graham crackers,(full sheet), or 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6tbspunsalted butter,melted
- ⅓cupgranulated sugar
For Filling:
- 16ozcream cheese,(2 standard packages), softened to room temperature
- 1large egg
- ⅓cupgranulated sugar
- 2medium lemons,zested
- 1medium lemon,juiced
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 1½cupsblueberries,fresh or frozen, unthawed
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper with enough overhang on the sides. Set aside.
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Using a food processor or blender, pulverize the graham crackers into a fine crumb.
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Pour into a medium bowl and mix with the melted butter and sugar. Press into the lined pan.
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Bake for 5 minutes. Allow to cool while preparing the filling.
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Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese for 1 minute on medium speed until smooth.
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At medium speed, beat in the egg, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together for about 3 full minutes until smooth and creamy.
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Gently fold in the blueberries. Spoon the filling onto the crust.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheesecake has set up and the edges are lightly browned. The bars will be very puffy but will sink slightly down as they cool.
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Allow to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature on a wire rack, and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
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Lift the parchment paper out of the pan and cut into squares. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions: The bars stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Then, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Lemons: 1 medium-sized lemon is equal to approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 221.30kcal
- Fat: 15.33g
- Saturated Fat: 8.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.13g
- Carbohydrates: 19.36g
- Fiber: 0.94g
- Sugar: 13.10g
- Protein: 2.93g
- Cholesterol: 54.26mg
- Sodium: 149.12mg
- Calcium: 41.32mg
- Potassium: 85.83mg
- Iron: 0.60mg
- Vitamin A: 145.71µg
- Vitamin C: 7.11mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
When folding the blueberries into the cream cheese mixture, be gentle to avoid crushing them. This will ensure that the berries maintain their shape and texture, providing a burst of flavor with each bite. Additionally, using fresh lemons for the zest and juice can significantly enhance the citrus flavor in the cheesecake bars. Remember to zest the lemons first before juicing them.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Prepare the crust: Use store-bought graham cracker crumbs to save time on crushing the crackers.
Room temperature ingredients: Bring the cream cheese and egg to room temperature before starting to speed up the mixing process.
Chill the crust: While the crust is baking, place it in the freezer to speed up the cooling process.
Use frozen blueberries: Opt for frozen blueberries to skip the step of washing and drying fresh berries.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra bars for future use, saving time on preparation later.
Pre-cut squares: Cut the bars into squares before chilling to reduce the setting time in the refrigerator.
Bake ahead: Bake the crust a day in advance and store it at room temperature to save time on the day of assembly.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
graham crackers - Substitute with digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and flavor to graham crackers, making them a suitable substitute for the crust.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the crust.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to granulated sugar, providing a slightly caramel-like flavor to the crust.
cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: Vegan cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free version of the filling, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to traditional cream cheese.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan alternative to regular eggs, providing binding properties to the filling.
lemons - Substitute with limes: Limes can be used as a substitute for lemons, providing a similar citrusy flavor to the cheesecake bars.
blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries can be used as a substitute for blueberries, offering a tart and sweet flavor to the cheesecake bars.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Elevate the plating: When presenting the lemon blueberry cheesecake bars, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use a rectangular plate to showcase the bars neatly arranged in a row, allowing the vibrant colors of the blueberries to pop against the creamy cheesecake.
Garnish with fresh blueberries: Add a touch of freshness and visual appeal by garnishing the plated bars with a few fresh blueberries. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor and texture to the dish.
Drizzle with lemon zest: Before serving, delicately dust the cheesecake bars with a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest. The bright, citrusy aroma and pop of yellow will add a sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: Serve the lemon blueberry cheesecake bars with a small quenelle of whipped cream on the side. The creamy addition complements the richness of the cheesecake and adds a luxurious element to the presentation.
Use a dusting of powdered sugar: Just before serving, lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful contrast against the deep purple of the blueberries.
Incorporate a lemon twist: For a final touch, add a small, twisted slice of lemon to the plate. This not only adds a pop of color but also ties in the citrus flavor of the dessert, creating a visually appealing and cohesive presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for tasks such as grinding, chopping, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making the graham cracker crust for the cheesecake bars.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and sugar to create the crust for the cheesecake bars.
8-inch square baking pan: This pan is the perfect size for baking the lemon blueberry cheesecake bars. It provides a sturdy base and allows for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Handheld or stand mixer: A handheld or stand mixer is used to beat the cream cheese, egg, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together to create the creamy and smooth filling for the cheesecake bars.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking pan, making it easier to lift the bars out once they are baked and cooled.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cheesecake bars after baking, allowing air to circulate around the pan and promoting even cooling.
Knife: A knife is used to cut the chilled cheesecake into squares before serving.
Storing and Freezing Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the lemon blueberry cheesecake bars recipe:
- Cover leftover bars tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Freezing instructions: freeze the cheesecake bars for up to 3 months
- Freeze the cooled cheesecake bars in a freezer-friendly container or bag
- If using a container, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn
- If using a freezer bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving
- To make slicing the bars easier, use a very sharp knife and wipe it clean with a paper towel after each cut
- For neat squares, freeze the bars for 10-20 minutes before slicing
- This helps them firm up and makes cutting clean lines easier
- Garnish with lemon zest, fresh blueberries, or whipped cream if desired
Random Fact about Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
The recipe contains blueberries and lemons, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, providing numerous health benefits.
Is Making Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
This lemon blueberry cheesecake bars recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including cream cheese, blueberries, and graham crackers, are fairly affordable and commonly found in most households. The recipe yields a delightful dessert that can serve a family of four, making it a reasonable investment. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering the delightful combination of flavors and the relatively low cost.
Are Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lemon blueberry cheesecake bars recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The crust is made with graham crackers, butter, and sugar, which are high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugars.
- The filling contains cream cheese, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of sugar, both in the crust and the filling, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The blueberries provide some nutritional value, but they are not enough to offset the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the graham cracker crust for a whole-grain, low-sugar alternative, such as a whole-wheat flour and oat crust.
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar in the crust, or use a healthier substitute like coconut oil.
- Replace some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
- Cut back on the sugar in the filling, and rely more on the natural sweetness of the blueberries and lemon zest.
- Increase the amount of blueberries to boost the fiber, vitamin, and antioxidant content of the bars.
- Serve smaller portions and enjoy the bars as an occasional treat rather than a regular indulgence.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Dessert
The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries in these cheesecake bars creates a delightful burst of flavor. The creamy texture of the cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy graham cracker crust, offering a satisfying contrast in every bite. The balance of sweetness and tanginess is spot on, making this dessert a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, resulting in a beautiful and delicious treat. These lemon blueberry cheesecake bars are a perfect choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
Enhance Your Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful treat with its creamy cream cheese filling, bursting with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon flavor. The buttery graham cracker crust adds a perfect crunch to every bite. With a meticulous baking process and a thorough chilling period, these cheesecake bars are sure to set up beautifully and deliver a luscious, velvety texture. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to create a delectable dessert that will impress and satisfy your cravings for a delightful, fruity, and indulgent treat.
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