When it comes to indulgent yet easy-to-make desserts, few recipes strike the balance quite like Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars. Imagine the richness of cheesecake, the sweetness of blueberries, and a buttery crumb topping—all in one handheld square. These bars are portable, versatile, and perfect for serving at gatherings, as a weeknight treat, or even for breakfast with coffee.
If you’ve been searching for delicious blueberry cream cheese recipes, these crumb bars are a must-try. Not only do they highlight fresh, juicy blueberries, but they also showcase the creamy tang of cream cheese in a way that feels both decadent and approachable. Whether you call them blueberry cream cheese squares, blueberry cheesecake sugar cookie bars, or simply your new favorite blueberry desserts recipe, this treat will win over any crowd.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Blueberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
- Easy to Make: No need to fuss with a springform pan like traditional cheesecake. These bars are baked in a simple 9×13 pan.
- Portable: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday dessert tables.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast bakes, afternoon snacks, or dinner party desserts.
- Seasonal and Fresh: Highlight fresh summer blueberries, but frozen berries work just as well.
If you love blueberry treats like peach cobbler cheesecake bars or fruity breakfast ideas like brown sugar overnight oats, then these bars are right up your alley.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the crumb base and topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the blueberry layer:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sugar
This simple ingredient list creates layers of flavor that rival any blueberry cream cheese pie or blueberry cream cheese cake squares.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust and Topping
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Press half of mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Reserve the other half for topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread evenly over the crust layer.
Step 3: Make the Blueberry Layer
- Toss blueberries with lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Spread over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
- Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Now you’ve got a batch of irresistible blueberry cream cheese squares ready to serve!
Tips for the Best Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Use Cold Butter: This ensures a crumbly, bakery-style crust.
- Fresh or Frozen Berries: Both work, but if using frozen, don’t thaw them—just toss in cornstarch to avoid excess liquid.
- Chill Before Slicing: Bars cut more cleanly once cooled.
- Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for extra brightness.
These tricks guarantee bakery-quality blueberry cheesecake crumb bars every single time.
Variations You’ll Love
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Oatmeal Bars: Add ½ cup oats to the crumb topping for texture.
- Blueberry Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars: Use sugar cookie dough as the base for a shortcut version.
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake: Serve warm in squares for brunch alongside croissant breakfast boats.
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie Style: Swap the crumb topping for a graham cracker crust to create a pie-like bar.
If you enjoy these twists, you’ll also want to try other blueberry desserts recipes that showcase the same fruity charm.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Treat: Pair with coffee or tea.
- Party Dessert: Add to a platter with pumpkin cheesecake truffles and strawberry crunch cheesecake tacos.
- Holiday Brunch: Serve alongside apple pie dip with cinnamon sugar chips.
- Summer BBQs: A lighter option compared to rich chocolate desserts.
Storing and Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap bars individually and freeze up to 2 months.
- Thaw: Let thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
These storage tips make them just as convenient as a make-ahead cream cheese bars recipe.
Why Blueberries and Cream Cheese Work So Well
Blueberries bring tartness and juiciness, while cream cheese adds tangy creaminess. The combination is irresistible, whether in bars, pies, or cakes. This flavor pairing is also featured in recipes like apple cider cheesecake and pumpkin cheesecake cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Bars should be golden but slightly soft in the center when done.
- Not Lining the Pan: Use parchment for easy removal.
- Cutting Too Soon: Let bars cool fully to avoid a messy slice.
Other Blueberry Desserts to Try
If you can’t get enough blueberries, try these next:
- Blueberry cinnamon rolls for a cozy breakfast.
- Easy blueberry monkey bread for a pull-apart treat.
- Blueberry lemon loaf for a tangy-sweet snack.
Final Thoughts
These Blueberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars are the ultimate cross between a cheesecake, pie, and cookie bar. Easy to make, deliciously creamy, and bursting with juicy blueberries, they’re destined to be one of your go-to blueberry cream cheese recipes.
Whether you serve them as blueberry cream cheese breakfast bake squares, add oats for blueberry cream cheese oatmeal bars, or transform them into a blueberry cream cheese pie, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore the dessert collection for even more treats to add to your baking list.
PrintIrresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars: The Perfect Blueberry Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect blend of buttery crust, tangy cream cheese filling, and juicy blueberries, topped with a golden crumb layer. A cross between cheesecake and fruit bars, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, they’re perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet treat at home.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (optional for chewy texture)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, if blueberries are very juicy)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats (if using), sugar, baking powder, salt, and melted butter. Press half the mixture into the pan for the crust.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the crust.
- Toss blueberries with cornstarch, then sprinkle evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the blueberries.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the cream cheese is set.
- Cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese fully to avoid lumps.
- Use fresh blueberries in season; frozen also work (coat with cornstarch).
- Chill before slicing for clean bars.
- Add chopped nuts or coconut to the topping for extra crunch.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings by using a sheet pan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Cheesecake-Inspired
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars, Blueberry Cheesecake Squares, Blueberry Dessert Recipes, Cream Cheese Squares, Blueberry Cream Cheese Oatmeal Bars