Blueberry Bars
Creamy blueberry bars with a graham cracker crust and sweet cream cheese filling, topped with blueberry pie filling. Perfect for dessert lovers and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and 1/2 cup white sugar.
- Pat the mixture into the bottom and along the sides of a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
- Beat cream cheese, eggs, and 1/2 cup white sugar until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Spread blueberry pie filling evenly over the cooled cream cheese layer.
- Optional: Top with whipped cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a graham cracker crust with more flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or some ground cinnamon. If you don't have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits work as a great substitute. You can also use a mixture of half cream cheese and half Greek yogurt for a lighter filling. Be careful not to overbake; the filling should be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
These blueberry bars make a delightful dessert on their own but can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. They pair beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad like Tomato And Lima Bean Salad. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the presentation for special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover blueberry bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blueberry Bars contains roughly 1006 calories, with 17g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh blueberries! Simply cook them down with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to create a sauce before spreading it over the cream cheese layer. This will enhance the flavor and provide a fresher taste compared to store-bought filling.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the cream cheese filling. This helps to set the crust and creates a barrier. Also, ensure the cream cheese mixture is well-blended to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These blueberry bars can be made a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, making them even more delicious when served.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).