Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Delicious layered bars with a crumbly oat crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and fresh blueberries, perfect for dessert or brunch.
Ingredients
For the Base / Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats You can use quick oats in a pinch, but texture will be slightly softer.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar both work.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted If using salted butter, omit any added salt elsewhere.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 oz) Full-fat gives the best texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fruit Layer
- 2 cups fresh blueberries If using frozen, do not thaw fully and toss in a small spoonful of flour.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Cream Cheese Filling
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, then mix until well combined and silky.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust in the pan. Sprinkle fresh blueberries evenly on top, then use the remaining crumb mixture to sprinkle over the blueberries.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cream cheese layer is mostly set.
Cooling and Serving
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Chilling for 1–2 hours helps the cream cheese set firmer.
Notes
These bars can be served warm or chilled. They store well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.