Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. These bars combine the tangy flavor of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries to create a refreshing and satisfying treat. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a party or simply want to indulge in something sweet, these bars are sure to please.
To make Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, including cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, blueberries, and graham cracker crumbs. You’ll also need some basic baking equipment, such as a mixing bowl, a baking pan, and a whisk. With these ingredients and equipment in hand, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these delicious bars in no time.
Once you’ve prepared the bars, you can serve them chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. They make a great dessert for any time of year, but are especially refreshing during the summer months. In the following sections, we’ll provide a detailed guide to making Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, including a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for serving and storing the bars.
Key Takeaways
- Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries.
- To make these bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic baking equipment.
- Once prepared, the bars can be served chilled or at room temperature and make a great dessert for any time of year.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blueberries
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Let the cheesecake bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Equipment Needed
To make Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, a few essential equipment are required. Here is a list of equipment that you will need:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Lemon zester
- Knife
The 9×13 inch baking pan is the perfect size for making Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. The parchment paper is used to line the baking pan, which prevents the cheesecake bars from sticking to the pan.
Mixing bowls are essential for mixing the ingredients. An electric mixer is recommended for making the cheesecake filling, as it helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Measuring cups and spoons are needed to measure the ingredients accurately. A rubber spatula is useful for scraping the sides of the mixing bowl and ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined.
A whisk is required to mix the ingredients for the topping. A lemon zester is used to grate the lemon zest, which adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the cheesecake bars. A knife is needed to cut the bars into squares.
Having all the necessary equipment ready before starting the recipe will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Baking Instructions
Cooling and Chilling
Once the Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are baked, they need to be cooled and chilled before serving. This helps the cheesecake to set and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and creamy dessert.
To cool the bars, remove them from the oven and let them cool to room temperature on a wire rack. This should take about 30 minutes. After the bars have cooled, cover them with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
When it’s time to serve the bars, remove them from the refrigerator and cut them into squares. For a clean cut, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. The bars can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on personal preference.
To add a decorative touch, top the bars with fresh blueberries or lemon zest before serving. The Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon blueberry cheesecake bars are a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other treats. Here are a few serving suggestions to help you make the most of this dessert:
- Serve with fresh berries: Lemon and blueberry are a classic combination, and serving these cheesecake bars with fresh blueberries and raspberries can add a burst of flavor and color to your dessert plate.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a light and airy texture to the creamy cheesecake bars. You can also sprinkle a little lemon zest on top for extra flavor.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea: The tangy lemon and sweet blueberry flavors of these bars pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. This is a great way to enjoy the dessert after a meal or as an afternoon treat.
- Serve as part of a dessert platter: If you’re hosting a party or gathering, consider serving these bars as part of a dessert platter with other sweet treats like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes.
No matter how you choose to serve them, lemon blueberry cheesecake bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Preservation
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or even a few days after they are made. Proper storage and preservation are essential to maintain their taste and texture. Here are a few tips to help you store and preserve your Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars.
Refrigeration
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for a longer period. After the bars have cooled down to room temperature, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture and air from getting to the bars, which can cause them to become stale or dry out.
Freezing
If you have leftover Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, you can freeze them for later use. Wrap each bar individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. Label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of their freshness. When you are ready to eat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Shelf Life
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you have frozen them, they can last for up to two months. However, it is important to note that the longer they are stored, the more their texture and taste may change.
By following these simple storage and preservation tips, you can enjoy your Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars for a longer period.