Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the perfect marriage of tangy lemon, sweet blueberries, and decadent cream cheese with these Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars! A delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle blueberries on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.
Popular questions:
- Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
- Can I use a different type of citrus juice instead of lemon?
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the cheesecake mixture.
Yes, you can try using lime or orange juice for a different flavor twist.
Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Helpful tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the crust mixture.
- Serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for an elegant presentation.
- You can also try using different berries like raspberries or blackberries for a variation in flavor.
Expert Secrets:
- To prevent cracks in your cheesecake, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- For a firmer filling, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the cream cheese mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or almond meal as a substitute for the crust.
