Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of cream cheese with the sweet burst of juicy blueberries. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, as a snack, or even as a dessert. They are easy to make and will surely impress your friends and family with their delicious taste.

Why Make This Recipe

You should consider making Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars for several reasons. First, they are simple and require only a few ingredients. Second, the combination of oats and cream cheese creates a creamy and satisfying texture. Lastly, they are versatile; you can enjoy them warm or cold and can even serve them for breakfast or dessert.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Making Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps closely for the best results.

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups quick-cooking oats (uncooked)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or coat it with non-stick spray.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the baking soda and salt, then gradually mix in the flour and oats until you have a crumbly mixture. Press half of this mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 13 minutes.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until everything is well combined.
Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust and spread it out evenly. Scatter the blueberries on top and crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, pressing down lightly.
Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the bars are firm.
Allow the bars to cool before cutting them into squares. Store in an airtight container.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

You can serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars either at room temperature or chilled. They make a great addition to any dessert table and can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt for an extra treat.

How to Store Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

To store Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months—just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
Use fresh blueberries when in season for the best flavor, but frozen blueberries work well too.
For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing hint of citrus.

Variation

You can switch up the berries in this recipe. Try using raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes, you can use regular oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Quick-cooking oats work better for a softer crust.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.