Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

If you’re looking to impress your friends, family, or even just treat yourself to a decadent dessert, these Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the answer. With a buttery shortbread cookie crust, a rich and creamy lemon cheesecake filling, and a swirl of homemade blueberry jam, these bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to produce stunning results. Let’s dive into the details, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your Blueberry Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time.

The Magic of Blueberries in Cheesecake

Blueberries are often celebrated for their juicy, slightly tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of cheesecake. In this recipe, the blueberries are transformed into a jam-like swirl that adds not only a burst of flavor but also a visually appealing marbled effect to the bars. The slight tartness of the blueberries complements the sweetness of the cheesecake, creating a well-balanced dessert that isn’t overly sweet.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Blueberry Jam:

Fresh Blueberries (12 oz / 340 g): Fresh blueberries are the star of this recipe. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make them perfect for the jam.
Granulated White Sugar (½ cup / 100 g): Sugar is essential in sweetening the jam and helping it thicken.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon / 15 ml): Lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness of the blueberries and sugar.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Vanilla enhances the flavor of the blueberries, adding depth to the jam.
Cornstarch (½ tablespoon / 4 g): Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to give the jam its perfect consistency.

For the Shortbread Cookie Crust:

Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoon / 84 g): Butter is the key to a rich and crumbly shortbread crust.
Granulated White Sugar (½ cup / 100 g): Sugar not only sweetens the crust but also helps it achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Vanilla adds a subtle flavor to the crust, complementing the buttery richness.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup / 125 g): Flour provides the structure for the crust.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the crust.

For the Cheesecake:

Cream Cheese (24 oz / 680 g): The foundation of the cheesecake, cream cheese provides the creamy and tangy texture that we all love.
Granulated White Sugar (1 cup / 200 g): Sugar sweetens the cheesecake, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon / 8 g): Cornstarch helps stabilize the cheesecake, giving it a smooth texture.
Sour Cream (¼ cup / 62 g): Sour cream adds richness and a slight tang, enhancing the cream cheese flavor.
Vanilla (1 tablespoon / 15 ml): Vanilla is essential for adding depth and complexity to the cheesecake.
Lemon Zest (1 tablespoon / 10 g): Lemon zest brightens the flavor of the cheesecake, adding a refreshing citrus note.
Eggs (3, at room temperature): Eggs provide structure and creaminess to the cheesecake, helping it set properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Blueberry Jam

The first step in this recipe is preparing the blueberry jam. This homemade jam is incredibly simple to make and elevates the bars with its fresh, fruity flavor.

Combine Ingredients: In a medium pot, combine the fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch. Stir the mixture over medium-low heat.
Cook the Jam: Allow the mixture to cook for about 15 minutes. As it cooks, the blueberries will start to release their juices. About halfway through, use the back of a wooden spoon to gently smush some of the blueberries, creating a mix of whole and crushed berries.
Cool Completely: Once the jam has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. This step is crucial because adding hot jam to the cheesecake batter could affect the texture.

Preparing the Shortbread Cookie Crust

The shortbread cookie crust provides a sturdy base for the cheesecake bars, offering a pleasant contrast to the creamy filling.

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt, continuing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.
Press and Bake: Tightly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Using the flat bottom of a measuring cup can help achieve an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Crafting the Lemon Cheesecake

The cheesecake layer is the heart of these bars, providing a rich and creamy contrast to the tart blueberry jam and buttery crust.

Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes.
Incorporate the Sour Cream and Flavorings: Add the sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on medium-low speed just until everything is well combined.
Add the Eggs: One at a time, add the eggs, mixing on medium-low speed after each addition just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can introduce too much air into the batter, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled shortbread crust. Dollop spoonfuls of the cooled blueberry jam onto the surface of the cheesecake. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the jam into the cheesecake, creating a marbled effect.

Baking and Cooling

Proper baking and cooling are essential to achieving the perfect texture for your cheesecake bars.

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 38-42 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and prop the door open using a wooden spoon. Let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chill: Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight. This chilling time allows the cheesecake to fully set and develop its flavors.

Serving the Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

After the bars have chilled, it’s time to serve and enjoy your masterpiece.

Cutting the Bars: To get clean, sharp edges, use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water and wiped dry between each cut. Cut the cheesecake into 16 squares.
Presentation: Arrange the bars on a serving plate or board. The beautiful marbled blueberry swirls on top make these bars a showstopper for any occasion.
Storage: If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well; simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This helps create a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the cheesecake batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks as it bakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Cooling Gradually: Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks and ensures a creamy texture.

Variations to Try

While these Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are perfect as is, you can customize them with different fruits or flavors:

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars: Substitute raspberries for blueberries in the jam.
Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars: Use strawberry jam and omit the lemon zest for a sweeter, more traditional cheesecake flavor.
Chocolate Marble Cheesecake Bars: Swirl melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter instead of fruit jam for a decadent twist.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are an indulgent treat that combines the best elements of cheesecake and fruity desserts. The combination of a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy lemon-infused cheesecake, and a vibrant blueberry swirl is irresistible. Whether you’re serving these at a special event or simply enjoying them as a weeknight dessert, they’re sure to impress. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect cheesecake bars every time. Happy baking!