If you love desserts that combine multiple textures and flavors in one irresistible bite, these Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are about to steal your heart. They truly are the best of all worlds: a buttery shortbread crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, juicy sweet-tart blueberries, and a golden crumble topping that melts in your mouth. This is the kind of dessert that feels perfect for family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or those moments when you simply want to treat yourself to something extra special.
These bars look impressive, yet they’re surprisingly approachable to make. Once you try them, it’s easy to see why they’re an all-time favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines shortbread, cheesecake, fruit, and crumble in one dessert
- Perfect make-ahead treat for parties and special occasions
- Creamy, buttery, and lightly tangy with bursts of blueberry
- Easy to slice, serve, and store
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the shortbread crust and crumble topping
- Powdered sugar – Keeps the crust tender and lightly sweet
- Salted butter (diced) – Creates a rich, buttery shortbread texture
- Butter (softened) – Helps form the crumbly topping
- Brown sugar – Adds warmth and caramel-like sweetness to the crumble
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling
- Cream cheese (softened) – The heart of the creamy cheesecake layer
- Large eggs – Provide structure and richness
- Milk – Keeps the cheesecake smooth and creamy
- Lemon juice – Balances sweetness and brightens the flavor
- Vanilla extract (alcohol-free) – Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake
- Fresh or frozen blueberries – Bring juicy bursts of sweet-tart flavor
How to Make Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. This makes removal and slicing much easier later.
Make the Shortbread Crust
In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and diced butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, until lightly set and pale golden.
Make the Crumble Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and flour. Use a fork to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cheesecake layer. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden.
Cool and Chill
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Chilling helps the cheesecake layer firm up and makes cleaner cuts.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter, which can cause cracking
- Use parchment or foil for easy removal from the pan
- Let the bars chill completely before cutting for neat squares
Equipment Needed
- 13 x 9-inch baking pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Food processor or mixing bowl
- Electric or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add extra lemon zest to the cheesecake for more citrus flavor
- Mixed Berry Version: Replace half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries
- Almond Crumble: Mix sliced almonds into the crumble topping for extra crunch
- Mini Cheesecake Bars: Bake in a muffin pan for individual portions
Serving Suggestions
Serve these blueberry crumble cheesecake bars chilled, straight from the fridge, or slightly softened at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and look stunning on a dessert platter with fresh berries on the side.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly. Do not thaw them before folding into the batter.
How should I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze blueberry cheesecake bars?
Yes, once fully chilled and sliced, they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overmixing or overbaking can cause cracks. Slightly underbaking is better than overbaking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars taste even better after chilling overnight.
Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert mashup with a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, juicy blueberries, and a sweet crumble topping. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, diced
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
- In a food processor, pulse flour, powdered sugar, and diced butter until crumbly.
- Press crust mixture firmly into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and flour until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Gently fold in blueberries.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over baked crust.
- Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- If you don’t have a food processor, mix crust ingredients in a bowl and cut in butter with a fork or fingers.
- Bars slice best when fully chilled.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
These Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy, buttery, and bursting with fruit in every bite. They’re the kind of dessert that people ask for again and again, whether it’s for holidays, celebrations, or simple family nights at home. If you try them, don’t be surprised when they become a regular favorite in your dessert rotation. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious square
