There’s nothing like a batch of homemade Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars to sweeten up your day! With their buttery crust, creamy filling, and burst of juicy blueberries, these bars strike the perfect balance between rich and refreshing.

I first tried these delightful bars when a friend brought them to a summer picnic. The smooth cream cheese and tart blueberries were such a hit that I had to recreate them at home. Now, these bars have become a go-to dessert for everything from casual get-togethers to family celebrations. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Prepare to fall in love with your next favorite dessert! These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are easy to make and deliver fantastic flavors that everyone will adore.

First, they’re an ideal mix of creamy and fruity. The creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese pairs perfectly with the fresh, slightly tart blueberries, creating a dreamy combination in each bite.

These bars are also wonderfully portable. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or backyard gatherings, they hold up well at room temperature and are easy to serve without a mess.

You’ll also appreciate how versatile they are. Whether you use fresh or frozen blueberries, they’re adaptable to any season. Feel free to experiment with different berries or add a dash of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor!

Best of all, they’re as easy as they are delicious. With a short ingredient list and a few simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for these Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are straightforward and accessible, but each one plays a role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Cream Cheese: This is the heart of the creamy filling, so use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, smoothest texture. If you want a slightly lighter option, you can use reduced-fat, but avoid fat-free cream cheese as it doesn’t have the same consistency.
Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well here. If you’re using frozen, don’t thaw them first – this helps prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens both the crust and the filling. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar in the filling slightly without compromising the flavor too much.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the flavors of the cream cheese filling, making it taste rich and well-rounded.
Flour and Butter: These are essential for creating a sturdy yet tender crust. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work as a substitute.

You’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish for this recipe to get the right thickness. Parchment paper also makes it easy to lift the bars out for cutting.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Making these Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps for a flawless dessert!

Prepare the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and melted butter until you have a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a smooth layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: While the crust is baking, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures a silky, lump-free filling. Set this mixture aside while the crust cools slightly.
Add the Blueberries: Once the crust has cooled for a few minutes, pour the cream cheese filling over the crust. Scatter the blueberries over the top, allowing some to sink slightly into the filling. This creates a lovely layered look and ensures every bite has some blueberry flavor.
Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and just slightly jiggly in the center. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for clean slices and that perfect creamy texture!

Once fully chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang, and cut into squares.

Storage Options

These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert!

Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste best cold, and the texture holds up perfectly.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: While these bars are delicious cold, you can warm them up slightly if you prefer. Just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

These bars are delightfully versatile! Here are a few fun ways to change things up:

Swap the Fruit: Try using raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a twist on the classic. Each berry brings its unique flavor, so you can mix and match to your preference.
Lemon Zest Addition: Add the zest of one lemon to the cream cheese filling for a zesty flavor that complements the blueberries. It’s perfect for adding a hint of citrusy freshness.
Graham Cracker Crust: For an extra layer of flavor, try using a graham cracker crust instead of the regular crust. Just mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press it into the pan before adding the filling.
Almond Extract: Swap out the vanilla for almond extract for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with blueberries.

Experiment and have fun with this recipe – you may even find a new favorite combination that makes these bars uniquely yours!

These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the kind of dessert that never fails to impress. With their creamy filling, juicy blueberries, and buttery crust, they’ll quickly become a requested favorite for any occasion. Enjoy!