These bars feature a velvety cream cheese center layered with succulent, tangy blueberries and complemented by a buttery oat crumble both at the base and on top. An inviting blend of sweet and tart flavors, each bite offers a mix of creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures that makes for an irresistible treat.

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I love making these Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars cause they bring a great balance of creamy filling and tart berries with a buttery oat crumble on both the bottom and top. I use a mix of 1 cup old fashioned oats and 1 cup all purpose flour along with 1/2 cup light brown sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted melted butter to create that satisfying texture.

The filling features 16 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract which gives a rich flavor and a good boost of calcium. The star of the show is the 2 cups fresh blueberries mixed with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, which not only add natural vitamins and antioxidants but also make the recipe perfect for summer.

I think this dessert bar recipe offers a balanced mix of sweet and tangy flavors while keeping a bit of nutritional value in each bite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the creamy cream cheese filling just melts in my mouth and makes every bite feel like a little treat. I also really like how the tart blueberries cut through the sweetness and add a fun burst of flavor, even if they sometimes mash a bit. Plus, the buttery oat crumble on both the bottom and the top gives it just the right crunch that makes the whole thing interesting to eat. And honestly, its so simple to make that i always feel excited about trying it out over the weekend.

Ingredients

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Old fashioned oats boost fiber and add a subtle nutty taste for hearty texture.
All purpose flour gives structure and body while mostly contributing carbohydrates for energy.
Cream cheese brings rich creaminess and tangy flavor along with some protein and fat.
Fresh blueberries deliver a sweet tart burst, antioxidants and vital vitamins for a healthier bite.
Light brown sugar adds a caramel like sweetness, enhancing flavor and moisture in every bite.
Eggs help bind the mixture together while providing extra protein and moisture naturally.
Lemon juice adds a gentle tart note that brightens overall flavor and cuts the richness.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup all purpose flour, divided

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

16 oz cream cheese, softened (about two 8 oz packages)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups fresh blueberries

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the blueberries)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8 inch pan so nothing sticks at the bottom.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup old fashioned oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour (use half of it in this step), 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1/4 teaspoon salt until it forms a crumbly mixture. Divide the mixture evenly into two bowls.

3. Press one half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure its evenly spread so you get a nice solid crust.

4. In a large bowl, beat the 16 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Then add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

5. Pour the cream cheese filling over the bottom crust making sure its spread out evenly.

6. In another bowl, gently toss 2 cups fresh blueberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Try not to mash the berries too much.

7. Spoon the blueberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer in little dollops so theres a bit of berry in every bite.

8. Sprinkle the remaining half of the oat crumble mixture over the top to create a delicious crunchy topping.

9. Bake for around 35-40 minutes or until the top looks lightly browned and the filling is just set. Let it cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven set to 350°F because the recipe needs to be baked at that temperature
2. An 8×8 inch baking pan that should be lightly greased so nothing sticks
3. A medium bowl for mixing the oats, half the flour, brown sugar, butter and salt
4. Two additional bowls to split up the crumb mixture evenly if needed
5. A large bowl to beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla extract
6. Another bowl to gently toss the blueberries with sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice
7. Measuring cups and spoons to get all your ingredients in the right amounts
8. An electric mixer or a whisk to blend the cream cheese filling until it becomes smooth
9. A spatula to spread both the bottom mixture and later the cream cheese filling evenly
10. A cooling spot or rack so you can let the bars cool completely before cutting them into pieces

FAQ

Q: What if i only have frozen blueberries?

A: Its best to thaw and drain them first, so they dont make the bars too watery.

Q: Can i substitute gluten free flour for all purpose flour?

A: Yes, you can but the texture may change a bit. Make sure to use a gluten free blend that works well in baking.

Q: How do i know when my bars are done?

A: They should turn lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Q: How should i serve these treats?

A: They’re great served cool. You can even dust them with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream if you want.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover bars?

A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for around 5 days to keep them fresh.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have old fashioned oats, you can use quick oats, but keep an eye on the texture since they absorb liquids a bit different
Instead of all purpose flour, you can try a gluten free blend or whole wheat flour though the final texture might be a little denser
If you’re out of light brown sugar, mix white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses per cup sugar; it works pretty well in these bars
You can swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or margarine; just melt it as you would the butter
If cream cheese is hard to get, mascarpone cheese is a good substitute but it may give a slightly different flavor

Pro Tips

1. For best results, toast the oats in a dry pan for a couple of minutes before mixing them with the melted butter and sugar. It gives the crust a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture that really makes a difference.

2. Make sure the cream cheese is really soft, about room temperature, before you beat it with the sugar. If it’s too cold, you might get lumps that will mess up the smoothness of your filling.

3. When you mix the blueberries with sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice, be gentle. Over-mashing them can turn them into a mush and then you’ll lose that burst of berry flavor in every bite.

4. Keep an eye on the baking time so that the bars don’t overcook. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, and if they’re done too much in the oven, you might lose that creamy texture that makes this treat so special.