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Perfect Star-Spangled Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

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These easy patriotic dessert bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a fresh blueberry topping with a beautiful marbled swirl. Perfect for summer gatherings and crowd-pleasing celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until crumbs are fully moistened.
  2. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Gradually add ¾ cup sugar and beat until combined.
  6. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust and smooth the top.
  8. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until berries soften.
  9. If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  10. Drop spoonfuls of blueberry topping over cheesecake filling and swirl gently with a skewer or knife to create a marbled effect.
  11. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes until cheesecake is mostly set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  12. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  13. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan and cut into 9 or 12 squares. Wipe knife between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth texture. Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent cracks. Chill bars overnight for clean slicing. Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Frozen blueberries should be thawed and drained. Variations include gluten-free crust with almond flour and vegan substitutions with dairy-free cream cheese and egg replacer.

Nutrition

Keywords: blueberry cheesecake bars, patriotic dessert, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake bars, summer dessert, Fourth of July dessert

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/perfect-star-spangled-blueberry-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-patriotic-dessert/