These blueberry cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake layer, topped with a fresh blueberry topping and a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping that is absolutely incredible. The flavor combination is simply irresistible, with a variety of textures and crunch.
Cheesecake bars are a delicious dessert that makes any dinner or special occasion all the better. They’re a fun twist on classic cheesecake that family and friends can enjoy with their hands, and they’re easier to make, too. You don’t need a springform pan or fancy water baths because you’re simply making a sheet cake version of cheesecake that you’ll cut into squares or rectangles. They’re as easy as they are delicious. That’s why I love making them so much! I’ve been making these blueberry cheesecake bars for years, and they’re always a big hit. So I decided it was time to share them with all of you!
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
These rich, fruity cheesecake bars start with a simple graham cracker crust that I bake until it’s golden brown. Then, I top it with a sweet and tangy cheesecake batter, homemade blueberry sauce, and a sweet, crunchy brown sugar pecan topping. I bake it until the topping is golden brown, then I chill it and cut it into bars. That’s all there is to it! It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s sweet, tangy, rich, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- The combination of flavors from the buttery crust, followed by the creamy cheesecake filling, the homemade blueberry topping, and the crunchy brown sugar pecan topping, ensures a delightful dessert the whole family will enjoy.
- The homemade blueberry topping and the brown sugar pecan topping take these cheesecake bars to the next level.
- It’s a requested favorite and is great for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser wherever it is served.
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Ingredients
The ingredients used for every part of these bars are basic ones that you can find in your kitchen or at any grocery store. It only takes a few minutes to gather up everything you need.
Graham Cracker Crust
- Graham crackers or crumbs
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer
- Cream cheese
- Large eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Blueberry Sauce
- Fresh blueberries
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- Brown sugar
- Chopped pecans
- All purpose flour
- Butter
How to Make Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Making these bars is an incredibly easy process that only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps. Even beginners will be in and out of the kitchen in no time, with cheesecake bars in tow.
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray an 11×7 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter well in a medium mixing bowl until the ingredients form a sand-like texture that clumps together.
Step 3: Bake
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish with the back of a measuring cup. Then, bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Batter
Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy. Then, add the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat again until completely mixed and smooth. Pour the batter evenly over the crust.
Step 5: make the Blueberry Sauce
Add 1 cup of blueberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch to a medium saucepan and stir well. Cook over medium-low heat until the blueberries begin to burst and the mixture becomes a sauce. Remove from the heat and mix in the remaining blueberries.
Step 6: Swirl
Pour the sauce evenly over the top of the cheesecake batter and swirl the sauce and cheesecake together a bit with a toothpick or a knife.
Step 7: Make the Topping
Mix the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl. Then, sprinkle it evenly over the cheesecake.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Cool the cheesecake, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill until fully set. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Mix your crust ingredients until they begin to clump to ensure the crust remains intact while baking and cutting.
- Press the crust down firmly into the baking dish so it forms a solid crust as it bakes.
- Use a large swirling motion to swirl the cheesecake batter and blueberry sauce together. The goal is a lovely swirl, not blue mud.
- Be sure to chill your cheesecake before cutting it into bars so the bars retain their shape.
Variations
- Use your favorite berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, to make different fruit and cheesecake bars.
- Add lemon zest to the blueberry sauce for additional lemon flavor.
- You can use our favorite pie filling for this recipe.
- Use almonds, walnuts, or your other favorite nuts to make different topping flavors.
What to Serve with Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Serve these cheesecake bars with a glass of milk or cup of coffee or tea. They also pair well with other sweet treats for a larger dessert spread or even fresh fruit.
Recipe FAQ
You sure can! Either one will work well.
Yes, you can. The texture will be slightly softer, but it will still be delicious and work quite well.
These bars will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can freeze these cheesecake bars. They’ll last for up to a month when stored correctly.
You should chill this cheesecake before slicing into bars and serving. Chilled cheesecake will hold its shape more readily when it’s sliced into bars.
How to Store Leftover Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Refrigerate these bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
Try This Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These blueberry cheesecake bars are as easy as they are delicious, which makes them a great weeknight dessert, afternoon snack, or sweet addition to any party or potluck. Everyone will love how delicious they are, and you’ll love how quick and easy they are to make. Give this recipe a try, and I know it will become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
More Delicious Blueberry Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Here are The Best Blueberry Pancakes that are light and fluffy, loaded with fresh blueberries, and are a family favorite buttermilk pancake recipe. Easy, delicious, and the perfect weekend breakfast meal.
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces 2 packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Blueberry Sauce
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries, divided
- ⅛ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- ¾ cups brown sugar
- ¾ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare an 11×7 baking dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
Graham Cracker Crust
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Mix until well combined and mixture is a sand-like texture that clumps together.
- Pour crust mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down with the back of a measuring cup.
- Bake the crust in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add in eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until completely mixed and smooth.
- Pour cream cheese mixture on top of baked crust and spread out evenly.
Blueberry Sauce
- In a medium size saucepan, add 1 cup blueberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well. Cook over low-medium heat until blueberries start to burst and mixture becomes a sauce. Remove from heat, add in ¼ cup of remaining blueberries and mix.
- Spoon sauce on top of cream cheese mixture, and swirl sauce with mixture using a toothpick or knife.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of blueberries on top.
Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter.
- Spoon topping over cheesecake, evenly spreading over the entire thing.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
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Michelle Griffin
Can you use frozen blueberries?
Great Grub, Delicious Treats
Hi Michelle, Yes, you can. If they are thawed you won’t need as much water when mixing the sauce. :)
Nicole M Krause
Pie dish? What size of a square or rectangle baking dish?
Great Grub, Delicious Treats
Hi Nicole, Thank you so much! It is an 11×7 baking dish. :)