Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

I adore crafting Blueberry Cream Cheese bars that meld a rich cream cheese filling with a bright burst of fresh blueberries. The oat and brown sugar crumble mixes with melted butter, a hint of vanilla, and tangy lemon for a delightful dessert bar recipe that brings a unique twist to familiar flavors.

I recently came across a pastry idea that totally revamped my idea of summer desserts. Last weekend I decided to make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars that have a tangy twist of fresh blueberries paired with a rich cream cheese filling.

I mixed up 1 cup of old fashioned oats with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, a pinch of salt and 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter for that perfect buttery crumble. Then I whipped together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to make the creamy center.

I finished the layers with a mix of 2 cups fresh blueberries combined with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon cornstarch which gives a slight tang and keeps everything set up nicely. I’ve always been a fan of tasty treats like these that fuse Blueberry Cream Cheese flavors with a nod to easy summer dessert recipes.

Enjoy creating these for a treat that’s both fresh and satisfying!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it brings together a creamy, tangy filling and tart blueberries that really hit the spot. I also appreciate how the buttery oat crumble adds a satisfying crunch, giving each bite a cool mix of textures. It makes me feel like I’m treatin myself to something special even though it’s pretty simple to whip up, which is a huge win when I’m in a rush. Lastly, the balance of sweet and sour from that lemon juice and berries makes it way more interesting than your typical dessert—I just can’t get enough of that flavor combo!

Ingredients

• Old fashioned oats: They offer fiber and hearty texture while supplying healthy carbohydrates.
• Cream cheese: Brings a rich, tangy creaminess that smooths out every bite.
• Fresh blueberries: Burst with a sweet and tart flavor and provide antioxidants naturally.
• Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Lemon juice: Provides a tangy zing that lifts the flavors and balances the creaminess.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the mix, contributing a rich, smooth texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the blueberries)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then mix in 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter until crumbly.

3. Press half of this oat crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan.

4. In another bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 1 large egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.

5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the oat crust.

6. In a third bowl, gently toss 2 cups fresh blueberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until they are evenly coated.

7. Scatter the blueberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

8. Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mix over the blueberries.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes or until the top turns lightly golden and the layers are set.

10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a rack then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars and serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven preheated to 350°F
2. One 9-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper
3. Three separate mixing bowls (one for the oat mixture, one for the cream cheese mixture, and one for the blueberries)
4. Measuring cups and spoons for the oats, flour, sugars, butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, and cornstarch
5. A hand mixer or a whisk for beating the cream cheese with sugar and egg
6. A spatula for stirring and spreading the mixtures evenly
7. A cooling rack to let the bars cool completely before refrigerating
8. A refrigerator to chill the bars for at least 2 hours before serving

FAQ

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Old fashioned oats – You can swap these with quick oats, but just know the texture might be a bit different than expected.
• All-purpose flour – Try using a gluten-free flour blend if you need to avoid gluten; it’s a pretty simple swap.
• Unsalted butter – If you’re low on butter or want a twist, melted coconut oil works well in most cases.
• Cream cheese – You can use Neufchâtel cheese instead, which is often a lighter option that still gives you that creamy feel.
• Cornstarch – Arrowroot powder is a good substitute for thickening the blueberry mix; it does the job fairly similar.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your oat crust is pressed down really good, cause if not, the bars might turn all crumbly when you’re tryin to slice ’em up.
2. Let everything cool completely before poppin it in the fridge. It may be hard to wait, but trust me, chillin for a couple hours makes a world of difference in how firm the bars stay.
3. When you’re tossin the blueberries with lemon juice and cornstarch, be careful not to overdo it. You don’t want them gettin squashed and turning into a mushy mess over the cream cheese.
4. Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs so your filling mixes evenly. It sounds small but these little details can totally change the texture for the better.