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Buttery Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

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A rich, buttery crust topped with a smooth cream cheese layer and juicy blueberries, these bars are an easy homemade dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add cold, cubed butter and work into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. Press evenly into a greased 8×8-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes until edges are light golden.
  2. While crust bakes, beat softened cream cheese with ⅓ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add egg and beat until combined. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour just until incorporated. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, toss blueberries with 2 tablespoons sugar, lemon zest, and cornstarch to thicken the topping.
  4. Remove crust from oven and spread cream cheese filling evenly on top. Scatter blueberry mixture over the filling.
  5. Return pan to oven and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until cream cheese layer is set and edges start to turn golden. Center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquidy. Tent with foil if browning too much.
  6. Cool bars completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up. Slice into 12 squares before serving.

Notes

Use cold butter cut into flour for a flaky crust. Soften cream cheese well for smooth filling. Toss frozen blueberries in flour before adding to prevent sogginess. Chill bars overnight for best texture and flavor. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: blueberry bars, cream cheese bars, easy dessert, homemade dessert, buttery crust, blueberry dessert

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/buttery-blueberry-cream-cheese-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-to-impress/