Description
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars combine a creamy, tangy filling with tart berries and a buttery oat crumble base and topping. These dessert bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture with a soft, rich cream cheese layer sandwiched between golden oat crumble layers and fresh blueberries.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumble
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups flour
- 1 1/3 cups quick oats (uncooked)
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup blueberries (or raspberries)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Stir in baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats until the mixture is well incorporated. Press half of this oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
- Bake Bottom Layer: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 13 minutes until it begins to set and lightly browns.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: While the crust bakes, place the cream cheese in a large bowl and stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined. Add vanilla extract and the egg yolk, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble Bars: Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the hot crust layer. Spread it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then, crumble the remaining oat mixture on top and gently press it down.
- Bake the Assembled Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges of the bars turn a golden brown hue.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate them before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices and a firmer texture. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Substitute blueberries with raspberries if desired.
- For easier removal, lift bars out using the parchment paper lining.
- Use quick oats for the best texture; regular oats may alter the crumb.
- Allow bars sufficient cooling time to avoid soggy texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
