Experience the magic of these Blueberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars, where each layer plays a crucial role in crafting a perfect bite. Starting with a buttery base, followed by a rich, creamy cheesecake filling studded with fresh blueberries, and topped off with a light, crumbly crust, these bars are a masterpiece of textures. The tangy burst of lemon in the filling beautifully complements the sweetness of the blueberries, making each bar a refreshing and satisfying treat.
Why You'll Love This: These bars combine the beloved textures and flavors of traditional blueberry pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake. The contrast between the crunchy crumbly topping and the smooth cheesecake filling, interspersed with the juiciness of fresh blueberries, creates a multi-layered sensory delight. Perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that's as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Perfect Occasion: These Blueberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars are a versatile choice for almost any event. They're a hit at summer barbecues, delightful at family reunions, and a standout addition to holiday dessert tables. Their easy portability also makes them excellent for picnics or as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.
Decoration Tips: Before serving, garnish these bars with a sprinkle of fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. If you're feeling adventurous, a drizzle of lemon glaze can add a bright, zesty flair that enhances the lemon notes in the filling.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus more for garnish
- Optional: blueberry jam for swirling
Instructions:
- For the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat an 8x8-inch baking pan with cooking spray, line with parchment, and spray again.
- In a bowl, mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend in flour and salt to form a crumbly dough.
- Press half the dough into the prepared pan, bake for 12-15 minutes until slightly golden.
- For the Filling:
- Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice.
- Stir in flour and salt until just combined. Fold in blueberries gently.
- Pour filling over baked crust. Dot with blueberry jam if using, and swirl.
- Final Assembly:
- Crumble the remaining dough over the filling. Sprinkle additional blueberries on top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
- Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Enjoy these sublime Blueberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars, where each layer contributes to a perfect harmony of flavor and texture!