Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery oat crust with a smooth cream cheese filling and fresh blueberries. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars offer a balance of creamy and fruity flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter (softened)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups flour
• 1 1/3 cups quick oats (uncooked)
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup blueberries (or raspberries)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper or coating it with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats until well combined.
3. Step 3: Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this layer for 13 minutes to set the crust.
4. Step 4: While the crust is baking, make the filling. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla and egg yolk, mixing well.
5. Step 5: After the crust has baked, pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the hot crust. Carefully spread it out and scatter the blueberries evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the berries and gently press down to create a crumble topping.
7. Step 7: Bake the assembled bars for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps the filling set properly.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture.
• Substitute blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different berry flavor.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Press the crumb topping lightly so it holds together but still stays crumbly.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding them to prevent the bars from becoming soggy.

Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. They often taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 443 reviews

These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery oat crust with a rich, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, topped with fresh blueberries and an oat crumble. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful balance of tangy fruit and sweet cream in every bite—perfect for dessert or a special snack.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 38 minutes
• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust & Crumble

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups flour
• 1 1/3 cups quick oats, uncooked

Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup blueberries (or raspberries)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray for easy removal.
2. Make crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Stir in the baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this crust layer for 13 minutes to set.
3. Prepare filling: While the crust bakes, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and the egg yolk and mix well for a creamy filling.
4. Assemble bars: When the crust comes out of the oven, pour the cream cheese filling evenly over it and spread smoothly. Scatter the blueberries evenly on top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mixture over the berries and gently press it down for coverage.
5. Bake bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the crumble topping turn golden brown and the filling is set.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate to chill before cutting into squares. Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

• For a different flavor, substitute blueberries with raspberries or mixed berries.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Pressing the crumble topping lightly helps it stay intact during baking.
• These bars are best served chilled and keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• If desired, brush the berries with a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness.

Keywords: blueberry bars, cream cheese bars, oat crumble bars, baked dessert bars, sweetened condensed milk bars