15-Minute Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
You know those moments when you want a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but you actually only have a few minutes? These 15-Minute Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are exactly that kind of magic. The creamy, tangy cheesecake layer meets juicy, fresh blueberries — all swirled into a simple crust that barely asks for your attention. No fancy tools, no waiting days for chilling; just a quick whirl and pop in the fridge. I love making these when I have unexpected guests or just a sudden craving for something sweet and bright. Plus, the smell of fresh blueberries and cream cheese blending is pure comfort in a pan!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 9
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (+ chilling)
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
How I Make It
Step 1:
In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to form an even crust. The firmness matters here, so don’t be shy about pressing it down hard!
Step 2:
In a larger bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add in the egg and vanilla, mixing just until combined—no overbeating needed.
Step 3:
Toss the blueberries with the flour to keep them from sinking or bleeding too much into the batter. Gently fold the blueberries into the cream cheese mixture, so they’re evenly distributed but not crushed.
Step 4:
Pour the cream cheese and blueberry mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing it out into an even layer.
Step 5:
Bake at 325°F for about 15 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Keep an eye on it—overbaking will dry it out.
Step 6:
Release the bars from the oven and let cool at room temperature for a bit before transferring to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. This step helps the bars firm up for perfect slicing.
Variations & Tips
- Swap blueberries for raspberries or chopped strawberries for a fun twist.
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the batter to brighten up the flavors.
- Use crushed digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for a slightly different crust texture.
- If you don’t have fresh blueberries, frozen work fine—just thaw and drain them first.
- For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter.
How I Like to Serve It
I love slicing these bars into small squares for a light, sweet snack after dinner in spring or summer. They’re also a hit at potlucks—easy to transport and sure to disappear fast! Try topping with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for that extra cozy touch.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you want softer bars, let them come to room temperature before serving.
Closing: These blueberry cheesecake bars always come together quickly and satisfy every time—making dessert feel like a breeze in any busy kitchen.