Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Few desserts capture that perfect balance of creamy, crumbly, and fruity quite like Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars. With their luscious cream cheese filling, tangy bursts of blueberries, and a buttery oat crumble both top and bottom, they’re as satisfying to eat as they are simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a midweek treat, these bars are always a hit—easy to slice, rich in flavor, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars starts with a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a key role. This isn’t a fussy dessert; rather, it’s proof that the basics can create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each matters:

• Butter (3/4 cup, softened): This brings richness and helps form that irresistibly buttery crumble.
• Sugar (2/3 cup): For sweetness and structure that perfectly balances tart and creamy notes.
• Brown Sugar (2/3 cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor and chewy texture to the base and topping.
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the crust rise just a touch, creating lightness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of salt sharpens and balances all the sweet flavors.
• Flour (1 1/3 cups): Gives the bars their structure so they hold together beautifully when you slice them.
• Quick Oats (1 1/3 cups, uncooked): For that classic crumbly texture and a hint of nutty flavor.
• Cream Cheese (8 ounces): The heart of the filling—creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Brings sweetness and an ultra-smooth texture to the filling.
• Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the creamy filling with warmth and depth.
• Egg Yolk (1): Adds tenderness and helps set the filling without making it heavy.
• Blueberries (1 cup, or raspberries): Their pop of color and tang is what makes these bars truly shine!

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. There’s no joy like knowing your oven is hot and ready for action! Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or give it a generous spray of cooking oil—not only does this keep sticking at bay, but it also makes lifting the bars out for serving an absolute breeze.

Step 2: Make the Oat Crumble Base and Topping

Grab a big mixing bowl and cream together your softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This combo is the secret to the bars’ signature chew. Next, stir in the baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats—mix until well combined. The mixture will be crumbly but should stick together when pressed. Take half of this mix and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the base. Pop it in the oven and bake for 13 minutes. This quick bake helps the bottom layer set up so it will hold all that creamy filling later.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling

While the base is baking, it’s time for the star of the show: the cream cheese filling. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until flawlessly smooth (no lumps here!). Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk, whisking as you go to keep things silky. Stir in the vanilla and the egg yolk until everything is just combined. This extra care ensures your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars turn out with a custardy, cheesecake-like center every single time.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Once the bottom crust is out of the oven, pour over the cream cheese mixture, spreading gently with a spatula so every corner gets covered. Next, sprinkle those juicy blueberries over the cream cheese layer. Finally, take your reserved crumble mixture and scatter it evenly over the top, pressing down lightly so you get that irresistible crumbly, golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should be delightfully golden and the center just set (it’ll firm up as it cools). Try to resist diving in immediately—these bars slice best once fully cooled! If you can, chill them in the fridge before cutting for extra clean edges and an even more satisfying bite.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Garnishes

The finishing touch can take Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars from lovely to next-level. A dusting of powdered sugar gives a bakery-worthy look, or you can scatter fresh blueberries and a light drizzle of honey for extra shine and flavor. Even a little lemon zest on top adds a bright, fresh aroma that highlights the rich filling.

Side Dishes

For gatherings, these bars pair beautifully with simple sides like a bowl of fresh mixed fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a good cup of hot coffee or tea. Their creamy texture and berry tang also play nicely with light, citrusy salads if you’re up for something a bit unexpected.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get inventive! Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for a dessert platter, or serve them as a tasty parfait layered with whipped cream and extra berries. For brunch, set them out on a tiered cake stand—they’ll look as stunning as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve cut your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars, keep any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay creamy and delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long! Keep parchment between layers to prevent sticking, especially in warmer weather.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap bars individually or layer them between parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll hold up well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, move them to the fridge to thaw overnight, which keeps that creamy filling perfectly smooth.

Reheating

While these bars are lovely chilled, if you’d like to enjoy one warm, pop an individual square into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just enough to take off the chill and soften the crumble, without melting the creamy center.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you use frozen berries, don’t thaw them first—just scatter on top of the cream cheese layer straight from the freezer. This will keep your bars from getting soggy as they bake.

Can I substitute raspberries or other fruit?

Definitely. Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars work beautifully with raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of your favorite berries. Just make sure to use about the same amount by volume for perfect results.

Do I have to use quick oats, or will regular oats work?

Quick oats are recommended because they blend easily into the crust and topping, but you can use old-fashioned oats if that’s what you have. The texture will be a bit heartier, with more chew—still delicious!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats. The texture will stay rich and satisfying, and everyone can dive in without worry.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the edges have turned a deep golden brown and the center looks set but still slightly wobbly (it will firm up as it cools). Overbaking dries out the filling, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.

Final Thoughts

No matter the season or the occasion, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars make everything a little sweeter. Their creamy filling, buttery oatmeal crumble, and burst of fruit are truly crowd-pleasers—so go ahead, bake a batch, and share the love. You might just find these bars become a new favorite in your kitchen, too!

Print