Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate dessert when you’re craving something creamy, fruity, and slightly indulgent. The oat-based crust is buttery and slightly crisp, providing the perfect contrast to the smooth and sweet cream cheese filling. The fresh blueberries add pops of flavor and color, making every bite irresistible. Best of all, they’re simple to make and incredibly versatile—use any berries you like, and enjoy the creamy goodness in every bar.

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 all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups quick oats (uncooked)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Crust:

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and oats to the butter mixture and stir until fully combined. The mixture will be crumbly.
Press the Crust into the Pan: Press about 2/3 of the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to form a crust layer. Set aside the remaining 1/3 of the mixture to crumble over the top later.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
Pour the Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Assemble the Bars:

Add the Blueberries: Scatter the fresh blueberries (or raspberries) over the cream cheese layer.
Top with Crust Crumbles: Take the remaining 1/3 of the crust mixture and crumble it evenly over the top of the blueberries and cream cheese layer.

Bake the Bars:

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the filling is set.
Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

Cut and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares and serve. You can garnish with extra berries or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Mixed Berries: Feel free to mix blueberries with other berries like strawberries or raspberries for an even more vibrant flavor.
Nutty Crust: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust mixture for added crunch.
Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a subtle citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. These bars taste even better the next day!
Freezing: These bars freeze well. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen berries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using them in the bars.

2. Can I make these bars without oats?

If you don’t have oats, you can substitute with additional flour to create a non-oat crust. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

3. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute white sugar for the brown sugar or use coconut sugar if you’re looking for a different sweetener, but it will slightly change the flavor.

4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free oats to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure to check your other ingredients for gluten content as well.

5. How do I keep the crust from becoming too hard?

Be sure not to overbake the crust. The crust should be slightly golden, but it will firm up as it cools. If it’s overbaked, it may become too hard.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Cream cheese works best for the filling, but you could try mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture and flavor.

7. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and the filling has set. You can test the center by gently shaking the pan—it should be firm and not wobbly.

8. Can I add a glaze to these bars?

Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even a cream cheese glaze, would be a lovely finishing touch.

9. Can I make this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan?

Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. The bars will be thinner, so check them after 25-30 minutes.

10. Can I serve these bars warm?

These bars can be served warm, but they’re best once they’ve completely cooled so the layers set properly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat!

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate dessert that combines creamy, tangy cream cheese with the freshness of juicy berries and a buttery, crumbly oat crust. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy every rich, fruity bite!

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 12-16 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delicious dessert that combines a buttery oat crust with a creamy cream cheese filling and fresh blueberries. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of tangy and sweet flavors in every bite. Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack!

Instructions

For the Crust:

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and oats to the mixture and stir until combined. The mixture will be crumbly.
Press the Crust: Press about 2/3 of the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set the remaining 1/3 aside.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
Pour the Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan, spreading it evenly.

Assemble the Bars:

Add the Blueberries: Scatter fresh blueberries (or raspberries) over the cream cheese layer.
Top with Crust Crumbles: Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the crust mixture over the top of the blueberries and cream cheese layer.

Bake the Bars:

Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.