– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
– ¼ teaspoon salt
Creating Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars is a delightful experience when you follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.
3. Press the Crust: Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a flat bottom of a glass to compact it nicely.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool.
5. Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add in the egg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined and fluffy.
6. Add the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
7. Pour the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly.
8. Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. Then transfer it to the refrigerator for an additional hour to chill completely.
10. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
By following these simple steps, you’ll create delicious Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars that are sure to impress!