Oh my goodness, if you’re in the mood for something refreshingly delightful, I’ve got a treat for you that combines the tangy zest of lemons with the sweet burst of blueberries. My Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a bright experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
I first whipped these up for a summer picnic, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could say “cheesecake.” The combination of creamy cheesecake, the tartness of lemon, and the sweetness of blueberries is simply divine. These bars are perfect for summer gatherings, but if I’m being honest, I’ve been known to make them any time of the year when I need a little sunshine in my life. So, let’s dive into this fabulous recipe!
What’s in Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of these bars is a buttery graham cracker crust. I prefer using a finely crushed store-bought brand, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can crush your own.
Butter: This is what binds our crust together. Use unsalted butter for the best flavor, and always make sure it’s melted for easy mixing!
Cream Cheese: The star of our cheesecake filling! I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for that rich and creamy texture. It’s a dessert after all, so let’s indulge a bit!
Sour Cream: This adds a lovely tanginess to our cheesecake, balancing out the sweetness beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to bring all the flavors together.
Eggs: They provide the structure and creaminess we want in a cheesecake. Remember to bring them to room temperature for smoother mixing.
Lemon Zest and Juice: This is where the magic happens! The zest adds a bright aroma, while the juice lends that fresh, zesty flavor that makes this cheesecake sing.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, these little gems add color and flavor. If you use frozen, just bear in mind they might release more juice.
Is Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Let’s be real – we’re baking cheesecake bars here, so they fall into the treat category! However, there are a few positive aspects to consider:
Blueberries: These little fruits are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. They can boost your heart health and even improve brain function.
Lemon: Aside from adding flavor, lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for your immune system!
Sour Cream: If you’re using low-fat sour cream, it can add creaminess with a bit less fat.
Of course, the cream cheese and sugar mean this isn’t exactly health food, so just enjoy them in moderation!
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup sour cream
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs (room temperature)
– Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
– 1 ½ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
– Servings: About 16 bars
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish to form a solid crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add in the sour cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until everything is nicely incorporated.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure not to overmix – we’re looking for creamy, not airy!
5. Gently fold in the blueberries, and then pour this luscious mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
6. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the middle is slightly jiggly.
7. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you’re feeling patient!) before cutting into squares.
Sweet Tips for Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars:
– For a fun twist, add some lemon zest to the crust for even more zing!
– Serve these bars topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
– Try swapping out blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
I cannot wait for you to try these Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars! Trust me, they’re bound to become a favorite both in your kitchen and among your friends. Don’t forget to share your experience or any fun twists you made! Happy baking, my friend!
