If you’re on the hunt for a stunning dessert that combines creamy, fruity, and crumbly textures all in one bite, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe. These bars spotlight a luscious cream cheese filling layered with juicy, tart blueberries and topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble that adds just the right amount of crunchy contrast. They’re ridiculously easy to make yet delightfully impressive — perfect for sharing at family gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging in an afternoon treat that feels homemade and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two large white bowls at the top, one filled with light beige rolled oats and the other with white flour. Below them is a small white dish with amber-colored vanilla extract. Next to it is a white bowl overflowing with fresh blueberries. To the right is a small can of sweetened condensed milk with colorful packaging leaning slightly. Below the oats and flour is a small white dish with a lone egg yolk. In the center is a square white bowl stacked with brown sugar. To the right are two sticks of salted butter in orange wrapping, one full and one partially used. At the bottom left is a blue package of cream cheese laying flat. Beside it is a small white dish with white powder, likely baking powder, and next to that is a square white bowl filled with white sugar. Everything is cleanly placed and well-lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe lies in a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s creating the tender oat crumble, the silky cream cheese center, or the burst of juicy blueberry flavor.

Butter (3/4 cup softened): Provides richness and helps bind the oat crumble, giving it a satisfyingly crisp texture.
Sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries and the tang of the cream cheese.
Brown sugar (2/3 cup): Brings a hint of warm molasses flavor and contributes to the chewy texture of the crumble.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with a light rise so the bars aren’t too dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Flour (1 1/3 cups): Forms the sturdy base of the oat crumble.
Quick oats (1 1/3 cups, uncooked): Adds hearty texture and a delightful chew in every bite.
Cream cheese (8 ounces): The star ingredient in the creamy filling that creates a smooth, dreamy layer.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese layer, giving it a perfect custard-like consistency.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Provides a warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the flavors.
Egg yolk (1): Helps bind the filling for a silky texture and rich taste.
Blueberries (1 cup): The fresh, juicy pop of berries that brightens every mouthful — raspberries work beautifully too if you want to mix it up.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the oat crumble base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the baking soda, salt, flour, and uncooked quick oats until just combined into a crumbly mixture. Press half of this oat crumble firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a sturdy crust. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 13 minutes until it’s starting to turn a lovely golden color.

Step 2: Whip up the cream cheese filling

While your base is baking, grab a clean bowl and soften the cream cheese by stirring it until smooth and creamy. Slowly whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, making sure the mixture is silky without lumps. Add in the vanilla extract and the egg yolk, mixing well until everything is fully incorporated and glossy. This perfectly balanced filling is what makes these bars stand out, creating a luscious layer that’s not too sweet but incredibly rich.

Step 3: Assemble and bake

Once the crust is ready and slightly cooled, pour your cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked base. Gently spread it out with a spatula for an even layer. Scatter the fresh blueberries evenly on top of the creamy layer, pressing them down slightly so they nestle in but don’t sink. Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mixture over the berries, lightly pressing down so it sticks but stays crumbly and crisp. Bake the entire pan again for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this ambient chill time helps those layers set perfectly.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

The image shows a stack of four square bars with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a light brown, crumbly crust that looks firm and slightly rough. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and pale yellow with mixed-in small pieces of red and purple berries that add pops of color. The top layer is a crumbly, rough-textured streusel with a golden-brown color and some berries peeking through. The bars are placed on a piece of white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are blurry white dishes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these bars even further, consider dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness and pretty presentation. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra blueberries on top add a fresh burst of color that’s as inviting as it is delicious. A small dollop of whipped cream on each bar can add a dreamy finish that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

The creamy, fruity richness of these bars pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea, making them a perfect afternoon snack or dessert. For brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a citrusy sorbet to balance the buttery, dense textures of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bars into bite-sized squares for a charming party platter or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a unique twist, drizzle a simple blueberry or lemon glaze over the top to add an extra glossy finish and accentuate the berry flavor beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container. The cream cheese filling stays fresh and maintains its creamy texture, while the oat crumble remains pleasantly crisp, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these bars well in advance, you can freeze them after they have fully cooled and been sliced. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, simply place a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until heated through. The flavors will bloom delightfully, and the crumble topping will regain a little of its crispness. Avoid prolonged heating to prevent the cream cheese layer from becoming too soft.

FAQs

Can I substitute other berries for blueberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries can be excellent alternatives. Just keep in mind some berries might release more juice, so you may want to slightly adjust baking time or sprinkle the berries with a little flour before adding them to the filling.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can make a gluten-friendly version without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can substitute reduced-fat cream cheese, the texture may be less creamy and rich compared to the full-fat version, which makes the bars so satisfyingly decadent. For best results, stick with regular cream cheese.

How do I prevent the oat crumble from becoming soggy?

Be sure to press the crumble firmly at the base and only lightly on top, and bake the bars until the edges are golden brown for the best crunchy texture. Cooling the bars completely before storing helps maintain the crispness too.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, or make two separate batches. Just keep an eye on baking times as a larger pan may require slight adjustments so the bars bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe has truly become a beloved staple in my kitchen, and I hope it brings as much joy to yours. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, plus its straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these bars have a way of turning any moment into something memorable. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and dive into this delicious project—you’ll be glad you did!

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need