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This blueberry cream cheese bars recipe creates the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. The buttery oatmeal crust serves as both base and topping for a luscious cream cheese filling studded with fresh blueberries. It's a dessert that disappears quickly at family gatherings and potlucks.
The first time I made these bars for a summer backyard party, they vanished within minutes. Since then, they've become my signature dessert that friends and family specifically request whenever we get together.
Ingredients
- Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a more tender crust
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The combination creates the perfect sweetness, and the brown sugar adds depth of flavor
- Baking soda: Helps the crust rise slightly for the perfect texture
- Salt: Enhances all flavors especially the sweetness
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crust
- Quick oats, uncooked: Adds hearty texture and nutty flavor to the crust
- Cream cheese: Full-fat works best for a rich, creamy layer
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a silky smooth texture that sets perfectly
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and enhances the cream cheese flavor
- Egg yolk: Provides structure to help the filling set properly
- Fresh blueberries: Burst with flavor when baked; look for plump, firm berries
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper allowing overhang for easy removal or thoroughly coat with cooking spray. The parchment paper method makes cleanup easier and ensures your bars come out perfectly.
- Make the Crust Mixture:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the baking soda and salt then gradually incorporate the flour and oats until you have a crumbly mixture that holds together when pressed. The mixture should resemble wet sand with small clumps.
- Prebake the Bottom Crust:
- Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press firmly for a compact base. Bake for exactly 13 minutes until just beginning to set but not fully browned. This prebaking step ensures your bottom crust won't become soggy.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- While the crust bakes, place the cream cheese in a large bowl and beat until completely smooth with no lumps. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk while whisking constantly to create a silky smooth mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and egg yolk until fully incorporated. The filling should be pourable but thick.
- Assemble and Top:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the hot prebaked crust, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula. Distribute the blueberries evenly across the cream cheese layer. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top and gently press down to adhere. Make sure to completely cover the filling for the best presentation.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center appears set but still slightly jiggly. The filling will continue to set as it cools, so be careful not to overbake.
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The sweetened condensed milk in this recipe is what gives these bars their irresistible flavor and texture. I discovered this secret ingredient when comparing various cream cheese bar recipes, and it truly makes all the difference. My grandmother always said a dessert needs that special something, and in this case, the condensed milk transforms an ordinary treat into something memorable.
Berry Variations
While blueberries are my personal favorite for this recipe, you can easily substitute other berries or even use a combination. Raspberries offer a wonderful tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cream cheese filling. Blackberries create a more rustic appearance and burst with juicy flavor when baked. Strawberries work well when chopped into small pieces about the size of blueberries. For a more festive appearance, try using a mixture of berries - red raspberries and blue blueberries make a beautiful patriotic dessert for summer holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These blueberry cream cheese bars actually improve with time as the flavors meld together, making them perfect for advance preparation. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The bars will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though they rarely last that long in my household. For longer storage, cut the cooled bars into portions and freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
While these bars are absolutely delicious on their own, there are several ways to elevate them for special occasions. Dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant appearance. For an indulgent dessert, serve slightly warmed with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. I like to add a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness. These bars pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or with a glass of dessert wine for an after-dinner indulgence.
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These blueberry cream cheese bars are guaranteed to impress your friends and family—be prepared to share the recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. There's no need to thaw them first - add them frozen directly to the cream cheese layer. You might need to extend the baking time by 2-3 minutes since frozen berries will release more moisture.
- → Can I substitute raspberries for blueberries?
Absolutely! As mentioned in the ingredients list, raspberries make an excellent substitute. You could also try strawberries (sliced), blackberries, or a mixed berry combination for variety.
- → How long do these bars stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The texture is actually best on the second day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
- → Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Yes, these bars are perfect for make-ahead desserts. Prepare them 1-2 days before your event and keep refrigerated. Cut into squares just before serving for the cleanest edges.
- → Can I freeze these cream cheese bars?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully. Cool completely, cut into squares, and freeze in a single layer until solid. Then transfer to a freezer container with parchment between layers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- → What can I use instead of quick oats?
If you only have old-fashioned rolled oats, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor to break them down slightly. Alternatively, you can use the old-fashioned oats as is, but the texture of the crust and topping will be slightly chewier.