Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form the crust.
- In a saucepan, mix the blueberries with 1/2 cup sugar. Cook over medium heat until the blueberries soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over your crust in the baking dish. Gently swirl in the blueberry mixture for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool and then refrigerate for several hours before cutting into bars. Serve chilled.
Best ways to enjoy it
These blueberry cheesecake bars shine on their own, but they can be transformed with a few fun serving suggestions. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence. A sprig of mint can also add a lovely fresh contrast to the sweetness.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To ensure your blueberry cheesecake bars stay delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them, but be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some handy tips to enhance your baking experience:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this will help it blend smoothly without lumps.
- Don’t skip letting the blueberry mixture cool before incorporating it into the batter; it prevents the cream cheese from curdling.
- If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake, feel free to add a touch more sugar to the cream cheese mixture.
Creative twists
Feel like changing things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Add lemon zest to the cream cheese batter for a delightful citrus note.
- Swap out the blueberries for strawberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with different crusts: try using almond flour for a gluten-free version or adding crushed nuts for added texture.
Common questions
What is the prep time for these bars?
The total prep time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for baking.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely! Just remember to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Your cheesecake bars should remain fresh for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
With these Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, you’re sure to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy the process and, of course, the delightful results. Happy baking!
