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Graham cracker crust components: - 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar These ingredients form a rich and buttery base. The graham cracker crumbs give a nice crunch. The melted butter binds everything and adds flavor. The sugar sweetens the crust just a bit. Cheesecake filling ingredients: - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt The cream cheese creates a smooth texture. Sugar adds sweetness. Eggs help the filling set. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring bright flavor. Vanilla extract adds warmth, and a pinch of salt enhances all the tastes. Additional flavor components: - 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries Blueberries add a burst of flavor and color. They also offer natural sweetness. Their juicy texture contrasts nicely with the creamy cheesecake. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Mixing crust ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. - Pressing into the baking dish: Next, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a lined 9x9-inch baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure it is packed tightly. - First baking step: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. When it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. - Beating the cream cheese and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. - Incorporating the eggs and flavorings: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each addition. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined. - Folding in blueberries: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of fresh blueberries with a spatula. Be careful not to crush the blueberries as you mix. - Pouring filling over crust: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. - Baking instructions: Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should still jiggle a bit when done. - Cooling and chilling time: After baking, let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until fully chilled and set. When ready, lift the cheesecake bars out of the dish using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut into squares for serving. Overmixing the filling Overmixing can add too much air to your filling. This can create cracks as it bakes. Mix just until smooth and creamy. Stop once the ingredients blend well. Baking time adjustments Every oven works a bit differently. Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. If they seem too jiggly, give them a few extra minutes. You want the edges firm and the center soft. Alternative crust options If you want a twist, try using crushed cookies for the crust. Oreos or gingersnaps can add fun flavors. You can also use almond flour for a different texture. Gluten-free or vegan crust ideas For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers. For a vegan option, swap butter with coconut oil. Both work great and still taste delicious. Presentation tips Serve your cheesecake bars chilled. To make them look pretty, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top. Add a few fresh blueberries for color and flair. Pairing ideas Pair these bars with a light, herbal tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also goes well. Both will enhance the lemon and blueberry flavors in the bars. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother, creamier batter that blends easily without lumps. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the eggs and blueberries, mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture in the cheesecake. Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill for at least 4 hours to ensure they set properly and slice neatly. Fresh Blueberries Are Best: Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen ones can release too much moisture and affect the consistency. {{image_2}} Gluten-free options To make these lemon blueberry cheesecake bars gluten-free, simply switch the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free crumbs. Many brands offer gluten-free graham crackers or you can use ground nuts like almonds or oats. This way, you keep the great flavor while catering to gluten sensitivities. Vegan substitutions For a vegan version, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. You can also use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. This adds a nice texture while keeping it vegan. Adding different fruits While blueberries are delicious, you can mix it up! Try raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches. Each fruit offers a unique taste. Just remember that some fruits may add extra moisture. Adjust the baking time if needed to get the right texture. Changing the citrus profile If you want a different citrus flavor, use lime or orange instead of lemon. Lime gives a fresh kick, while orange adds sweetness. Experimenting with different citrus can change the whole feel of your cheesecake bars. Mini cheesecake versions For bite-sized treats, use a mini muffin pan. Press the crust into each cup and fill with the cheesecake mix. Bake as usual, but check for doneness earlier. These mini bars are perfect for parties or gatherings. No-bake options If you want a no-bake version, skip the oven entirely! Use a similar crust and make a filling with chilled cream cheese, whipped cream, and fruit. Simply chill until firm. This method saves time and keeps things cool on hot days. After making the lemon blueberry cheesecake bars, let them cool at room temperature. Aim for a temperature around 70°F (21°C). This step helps the bars set correctly. Once they cool down, place them in the fridge for at least four hours. This chilling time makes the bars firm and tasty. For the best storage, use airtight containers. They keep the bars fresh and prevent drying out. If you don’t have one, cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap. You can also freeze the bars. Cut them into squares first, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag for extra protection. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. When you store the cheesecake bars in the fridge, they can last up to one week. Just make sure they stay covered. If you freeze them, they can last for about three months. To enjoy them later, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. You’ll have a delicious treat ready to eat! Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. They work well in this recipe. However, frozen blueberries may change the texture a bit. They can make the filling a little watery. To help, thaw the blueberries first and drain excess juice. This way, you keep that nice creamy texture. If you need a cream cheese alternative, try these options: - Greek yogurt: It adds creaminess with a tangy flavor. - Ricotta cheese: This gives a lighter texture. - Silken tofu: Blend it smooth for a vegan choice. Each substitute changes the taste slightly, but they all work well in cheesecake bars. Look for these signs to check if your bars are ready: - The edges should be set and firm. - The center will still wiggle a bit. - A slight golden color appears on the edges. Once you see these cues, take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool. This blog post covered all the key steps to making delicious cheesecake bars. You learned about the needed ingredients, from graham crackers to blueberries. The step-by-step guide made it easy to prepare the crust and filling. We also shared helpful tips to avoid common mistakes and offered fun variations for dietary needs. In conclusion, enjoy the process of creating your cheesecake bars. Experiment with flavors and share them with others. You now have the tools to make great desserts. Happy baking!

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Deliciously creamy cheesecake bars with a zesty lemon flavor and fresh blueberries.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.75 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
  • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Gently fold in the fresh blueberries with a spatula, being careful not to crush them.
  • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the oven for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully chilled and set.
  • Lift the cheesecake bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang, and cut them into squares for serving.

Notes

Serve the cheesecake bars chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of additional lemon zest and a few fresh blueberries on top for an appealing touch.
Keyword blueberry, cheesecake, dessert bars, lemon