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To make these lemon blueberry cheesecake bars, you will need: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 cup fresh blueberries Each ingredient plays a key role. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy crust. The cream cheese gives a rich and creamy texture. Fresh blueberries add vibrant color and a sweet burst of flavor. To make your bars even more special, consider these garnishes: - Lemon zest for a fresh touch - Extra blueberries for added color - Whipped cream for a creamy finish These garnishes bring a nice visual appeal and enhance the taste. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some options: - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. - Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter taste. - Try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for natural sweetness. These substitutions can help you customize the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until it looks like wet sand. Press this crumb mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to make it even. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. In another bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each one. Now, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix until everything is combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries. This ensures they spread evenly in the filling. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread it out evenly in the dish. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The center should be set but a bit jiggly. After baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours. This helps the cheesecake firm up. After chilling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve! To get a creamy texture, start with softened cream cheese. Cold cream cheese will not mix well. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. This step is key to avoid lumps. Make sure to mix in the eggs one at a time. This helps keep the mixture light and airy. Folding in the blueberries gently will also keep your bars soft. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. Mix on low speed to prevent splatters. Scrape down the bowl often to ensure even mixing. Don’t overbeat the batter. Overmixing can add air, making the bars puff up. Achieving a smooth batter is important for a nice finish. Once chilled, cut the bars into equal squares. Serve with a sprinkle of lemon zest for color. Adding fresh blueberries on top brightens the dish. You can also pair them with whipped cream for extra creaminess. These bars are perfect for parties or family gatherings. They are best served cold, so keep them in the fridge until ready to enjoy. {{image_2}} You can swap out blueberries for other fruits. Raspberries add a nice tartness. Strawberries bring a sweet and juicy flavor. If you prefer tropical tastes, try mango or pineapple. Each fruit gives a new twist to your cheesecake bars. Just make sure the fruit is fresh for the best taste. If you like your dessert less sweet, cut back on sugar. Start with half a cup instead of a full cup. You can always taste and add more sugar if needed. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. These options can change the flavor and add a unique touch. The crust can change your cheesecake game. Instead of graham crackers, use crushed cookies like Oreos or vanilla wafers. You can also try almond flour for a gluten-free option. Adding nuts to the crust can give it a crunchy texture. Each choice adds its own flavor and personality to the bars. To keep your cheesecake bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps avoid drying out. Make sure to chill them in the fridge. They can last up to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze the bars, let them cool completely first. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can enjoy cheesecake bars cold or warm. If you prefer them warm, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them gently without overcooking. Enjoy the fresh, creamy taste! Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. They work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. This helps keep the cheesecake bars from getting too watery. Frozen blueberries might burst while mixing, giving a nice color to your bars. These cheesecake bars last about 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Also, choose a plant-based butter for the crust. The taste and texture will change a bit, but they will still be delicious. Make sure to check the labels for added sugars or flavors. You now have all you need to create delicious Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. We covered the key ingredients, baking steps, and useful tips. You learned how to mix for the best texture and explore fun variations. Remember to store leftovers correctly for the best taste later. With simple answers to your questions, you feel ready to make these bars. Enjoy the process and share your tasty treats with others. You’ll impress everyone with your skills!

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars with this easy recipe! These creamy, zesty bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and are filled with luscious cheesecake goodness topped with fresh blueberries. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress your guests. Ready to make your dessert dreams come true? Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons sugar

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.

      Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish to form a crust. Use the back of a measuring cup for an even layer.

        Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.

          In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy.

            Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until fully combined.

              Gently fold in the fresh blueberries until evenly distributed. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread it out evenly.

                Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature.

                  Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake to firm up.

                    Once chilled, lift the parchment paper to remove the cheesecake from the pan. Cut into bars and serve.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes | Servings: 12

                        - Presentation Tips: Garnish each bar with a sprinkle of lemon zest and a few extra blueberries on top for a vibrant and fresh look.