Refreshing Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries with these Refreshing Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year, these bars offer a creamy cheesecake filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a vibrant blueberry swirl. Easy to make and even easier to love, these bars will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients and Equipment

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Equipment

• 9×9 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Medium saucepan
• Parchment paper (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease the baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
6. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, cornstarch, and water over medium heat. Cook until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the blueberry mixture onto the cheesecake layer, then swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
9. Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
10. Once finished, remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing into bars.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cheesecake bars are a success, consider the following tips:

• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the eggs to avoid cracks in your cheesecake.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a little extra lemon zest.
• When swirling the blueberry mixture, be gentle to avoid over-mixing.
• Allow the bars to chill completely for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple additions:

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh blueberries for garnish.
• Drizzle with a lemon glaze or a berry sauce for extra sweetness.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Nutritional Information

Each Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bar (based on 12 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 10g

Conclusion

Refreshing Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that beautifully balances the tangy flavor of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries. They are not only visually appealing but also simple to prepare, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy, these cheesecake bars are sure to impress!