Why make this recipe
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat that combines the freshness of blueberries with the creamy goodness of cream cheese. These bars are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat. They are easy to make and are sure to impress family and friends with their delicious taste and beautiful appearance.
How to make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups blueberries
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the blueberries and lemon juice.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden and filling is set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
How to serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. They are great on their own, but you can also pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They make a wonderful addition to any brunch table or dessert spread.
How to store Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
To store these delicious bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. They can be thawed in the fridge overnight when you want to enjoy some.
Tips to make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps create a smoother filling.
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor. If using frozen, do not thaw them before mixing in.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the oat mixture for extra flavor.
- For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped nuts to the oat topping.
Variation
You can customize these bars by using different fruits like raspberries or strawberries instead of blueberries. You can also try swapping the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
3. What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute for the egg if you want a vegan option.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bars combining fresh blueberries and creamy cream cheese, perfect for snacks or desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups blueberries
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the blueberries and lemon juice.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden and filling is set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh blueberries. You can customize these bars with different fruits or swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt.