Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Dreamy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Joy

Blueberry cream cheese bars offer a delightful symphony of tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

Summer’s most beloved berry converts an ordinary dessert into a spectacular treat that feels both elegant and comforting.

Creamy layers meld with bursts of fruity goodness, creating a harmonious texture that promises pure indulgence.

Each bar represents a perfect balance between rich, velvety filling and bright, vibrant fruit notes.

The combination speaks to those who appreciate sophisticated yet approachable desserts that don’t require complex culinary skills.

Soft, decadent, and utterly irresistible, these bars capture the essence of leisurely moments and shared pleasures.

You’ll find yourself craving just one more delectable bite.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars with a Rich Swirl

  • Deliciously Layered Delight: These blueberry cream cheese bars offer a perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures that dance together in every single bite.
  • Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, home bakers of all skill levels can whip up this impressive dessert in under an hour, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Nutritious Summer Indulgence: Packed with wholesome oats, fresh blueberries, and protein-rich cream cheese, these bars provide a guilt-free treat that combines nutrition with decadent flavor, perfect for summer picnics or after-dinner desserts.
  • Versatile Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing busy home cooks to have a delectable dessert ready whenever unexpected guests arrive or a sweet tooth strikes.

Ingredients to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Crust Base:
  • Butter: Rich, creamy base for the crust that provides delicious flavor and helps bind ingredients.
  • Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the crust and helps create a golden, caramelized texture.
  • Quick Oats: Adds hearty texture and nutty flavor to the crust.
  • Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Helps with leavening and enhances overall flavor profile.
Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base for the creamy filling that adds richness.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps create a silky, smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to complement the cream cheese.
  • Egg Yolk: Helps bind the filling and adds richness and depth.
Fruit Topping:
  • Blueberries: Fresh, juicy berries that add natural sweetness and burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Oat Crust

In a large mixing bowl, blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Sugar
  • Brown sugar
Mix thoroughly until creamy. Add:
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Flour
  • Quick oats

Stir until ingredients form a consistent mixture.

Step 3: Bake the First Layer

Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even base. Bake for 13 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and silky. Slowly incorporate:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Egg yolk

Whisk until the mixture becomes perfectly blended.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Once the base is baked, pour the cream cheese mixture over the first layer. Spread evenly across the surface. Sprinkle fresh blueberries generously over the cream cheese layer.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crust

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries. Gently press down to create a crumbly top layer.

Step 7: Final Baking

Return the pan to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center sets firmly.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set perfectly. Refrigerate for a few hours to create a refreshing, cool dessert.

Tips for Baking and Swirling Cream Cheese Layers

  • Chill for Cleanest Cuts: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure neat, precise edges that showcase the beautiful layers.
  • Distribute Blueberries Evenly: Gently spread blueberries across the cream cheese layer to guarantee a burst of fruity flavor in every single bite.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Bake the first oat layer until golden to create a sturdy, crisp base that won't become mushy under the cream cheese filling.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Allow cream cheese, butter, and egg to sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture integration.
  • Customize Your Berries: Swap fresh blueberries with frozen ones, but don't thaw them first to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.

Store Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars the Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store blueberry cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Freeze: Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for a make-ahead dessert option.
  • Reheat: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Serve These Bars with These Simple Pairings

  • Pair with Sweet White Wine: Complement the creamy blueberry bars with a chilled Riesling or Moscato, which will enhance the dessert's fruity and tangy cream cheese flavors.
  • Match with Creamy Beverage: Serve alongside a cold glass of vanilla bean milk or a smooth cappuccino to balance the bar's richness and highlight its sweet oat base.
  • Fresh Fruit Side: Add a small berry medley with strawberries and raspberries to create a vibrant color contrast and provide a fresh, light accompaniment that echoes the blueberry notes.
  • Whipped Cream Topping: Dollop homemade whipped cream on the side, adding a light, airy texture that cuts through the dense cream cheese and provides a delightful creamy complement.

Alternate Flavors for Cream Cheese Bar Lovers

  • Tropical Berry Blast: Replace blueberries with a mix of mango chunks and passion fruit, adding a vibrant Caribbean-inspired flavor profile to the classic cream cheese bars.
  • Nutty Autumn Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon into the oat mixture, creating a warm, hearty version perfect for fall gatherings.
  • Lemon Raspberry Remix: Swap blueberries for fresh raspberries and add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling, bringing a bright, tangy dimension to the dessert.
  • Chocolate Chip Dream: Mix mini chocolate chips into the oat base and sprinkle some on top for a decadent, kid-friendly variation that adds extra sweetness and texture.
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy blueberry cream cheese bars offer a delightful dessert experience combining tangy cream cheese and sweet blueberry layers. Smooth, rich textures and balanced flavors make these bars perfect for summer gatherings or quiet afternoon treats you’ll savor with pure enjoyment.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Crust Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (170 grams) butter, softened
  • 1 ⅓ cups (160 grams) flour
  • 1 ⅓ cups quick oats (uncooked)
  • ⅔ cup (132 grams) sugar
  • ⅔ cup (133 grams) brown sugar

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and creating a non-stick surface in a 9×13-inch baking pan using parchment paper or cooking spray.
  2. Create a crumbly base mixture by thoroughly blending softened butter, sugars, baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats until they form a cohesive texture.
  3. Distribute half of the oat mixture evenly across the prepared pan, pressing down to create a uniform foundation layer.
  4. Bake the initial layer for approximately 13 minutes until it develops a light golden hue.
  5. While the base cooks, craft the cream cheese filling by whisking cream cheese until silky smooth, then gradually incorporating sweetened condensed milk.
  6. Introduce vanilla extract and egg yolk into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until completely integrated.
  7. After removing the golden base from the oven, delicately pour the cream cheese mixture across the surface, ensuring an even distribution.
  8. Artfully scatter fresh blueberries atop the cream cheese layer, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.
  9. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, gently pressing down to create a rustic topping.
  10. Return the pan to the oven, baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the edges turn a rich golden brown and the center sets firmly.
  11. Allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps them maintain structural integrity.
  12. Refrigerate the bars to enhance their flavor and provide a cool, refreshing dessert experience.

Notes

  • Make sure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth mixing and easy spreading in the base layer.
  • Gently press the oat mixture to create a compact, even crust without compressing it too firmly.
  • Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
  • Check the bars at 20 minutes to avoid over-baking, which can dry out the cream cheese filling.
  • Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld together.
  • Cut into small squares for easy serving at parties or gatherings, storing them in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 352
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 155 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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