Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe

         This is one of those delightful desserts that make your tastebuds jump. These lemon blueberry cheesecake bars taste refreshing. Close your eyes and it is like a bite of Springtime in your mouth.

This cheesecake with blueberries tossed in and swirled throughout is sure to become your new favorite! My family scrambles to eat dinner when they know that I have made this dessert for them.

            Imagine, buttery flavored crust and topping, fresh blueberries and a lemony cheesecake. Sounds so delicious! These are truly super scrumptious. It is so hard to wait for them to be completely cool before slicing them. But I highly suggest that you do.

These bars can be made as gifts. They can be wrapped individually, or you can place them in stacks, as long as you use a parchment paper between the bars.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I use canned or frozen blueberries?

For this recipe, I do highly recommend using fresh blueberries, it takes the flavor to a whole new level.

            Can I use a prepared crust?

You can, however, the crust included in the recipe is not difficult to make. If you are strapped for time, go ahead, that eliminates some work.

            How can I store these bars?

The bars can be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

            Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, place them in freezer safe containers, singly or all together. Place them in the freezer and they can stay there for up to 4 months. You place these bars into the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

            Can I use lemon juice instead of the whole lemon?

For this recipe, you will need some lemon zest to add to the cheesecake. That is an essential flavor ingredient. However, if you choose, you can leave it out.

What do you need to make Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe

            Crust:

                        9 graham crackers, the rectangles

                        4 tbsp butter, melted

                        1 tsp lemon zest

                        2 tbsp sugar

            Cheesecake:

                        16 ounces cream cheese, softened

                        ½ cup sugar

                        ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

                        2 large eggs

                        2 tbsp lemon zest

                        1 ½ cup fresh blueberries

            Crumble Topping:

                        ¾ cup all purpose flour

                        6 tbsp butter, melted

                        1 cup brown sugar, packed

What do you need to make Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe

FIRST STEP:

Prepare the crust by mixing all ingredients for the crust together.

Using a flat bottomed cup, put the graham cracker mix into a 9 inch square baking pan, pushing lightly to pack the crust

SECOND STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350* and bake the crust for 10 to 15 minutes

Set crust aside to cool

THIRD STEP:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar and eggs

a)

b)

c)

Beat well until smooth

FOURTH STEP:

Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust

Add the blueberries on top of the cheesecake layer

FIFTH STEP:

Using a butter knife, swirl through lightly, the cream cheese and the blueberries

Make the crumble topping by combining the flour, melted butter and the brown sugar. It will resemble coarse crumbs.

a)

b)

c)

d)

SIXTH STEP:

Sprinkle the topping on the top

a)

b)

c)

SEVENTH STEP:

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until set, cool for one hour at room temperature

Place into the refrigerator to cool for an additional hour

Cut into 9 bars, serve and enjoy!

YUM!