Blueberry cheesecake bars are a delightful and refreshing dessert that perfectly blends the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavors of blueberries. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy cheesecake in a more portable and shareable form, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat. The process of making these bars involves creating a buttery biscuit crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious homemade blueberry jam that ties everything together.
The crust is the foundation of these cheesecake bars, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. By blending biscuits and melted butter, you create a firm base that holds the cheesecake together and adds a delightful texture to each bite. The filling itself is a classic cheesecake mixture, with cream cheese, condensed milk, and eggs providing a rich and velvety texture, while the vanilla adds a subtle sweetness. The blueberry jam is the finishing touch, adding a burst of fruity flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tangy.
Once assembled and baked, these blueberry cheesecake bars are chilled to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set. The final result is a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as a special treat for yourself or sharing them with friends and family, these blueberry cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Crust
- 100 grams biscuits
- 50 grams of melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 eggs
- 450 grams of cream cheese
- 200 grams of heavy whipping cream
- 160 grams of condensed milk
- 150 grams of granulated sugar
- 40 grams cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Blueberry Jam
- 250 grams blueberries
- 100 grams sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
1) First step: Prepare the crust
Start by preparing the crust for your blueberry cheesecake bars. Place the biscuits in a food processor or blender and blend until they are finely crumbled. If you don't have a food processor, you can put the biscuits in a plastic bag, seal them tightly, and crush them with a rolling pin until they reach the desired consistency.
2) Second step: Mix the crust
Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Ensure that the butter is fully melted but not too hot, as this could affect the texture of the crust. Combine the melted butter with the crushed biscuits and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This mixture should resemble wet sand in texture.
3) Third step: Form the crust
Lightly grease your baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Pour the biscuit and butter mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon, your fingers, or a flat-bottomed glass. Make sure the crust is evenly distributed across the bottom of the pan. Place the pan in the fridge or freezer to chill while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
4) Fourth step: Prepare the cheesecake filling
Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, eggs, condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. If necessary, use a blender to remove any remaining lumps and achieve a silky texture.
5) Fifth step: Pour the filling
Once the cheesecake filling is smooth, pour it over the chilled crust in the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula, making sure the surface is smooth and level.
6) Sixth step: Make the blueberry jam
You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for this step. If using fresh blueberries, ensure they are thoroughly washed and patted dry with a paper towel. Place the blueberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Stir to coat the blueberries with the sugar and lemon juice, then place the pan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning. Allow the jam to cook for about 15 minutes until it thickens and the blueberries break down.
7) Seventh step: Bake the cheesecake
Once the blueberry jam is ready, spread some of it over the cheesecake filling in the pan and swirl it lightly with a knife to create a marbled effect. You can also add a few fresh blueberries to the top if you like. Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cheesecake is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
8) Eighth step: Chill and set
Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then place it in the fridge to set for at least 6 hours or overnight. This will help the cheesecake bars firm up and enhance the flavors.
9) Ninth step: Decorate and serve
After the cheesecake has fully chilled, spread the remaining blueberry jam evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Be gentle to avoid breaking the surface. If desired, you can cut the cheesecake into bars and decorate each piece individually with fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
10) Tenth step: Enjoy
Serve your blueberry cheesecake bars chilled for the best texture and flavor. The creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, and tangy blueberry topping create a perfect harmony of flavors, making each bite a delicious treat.