Buttery, fruity, and irresistibly creamy, blueberry cream cheese crumb bars layer fresh juicy berries and tangy filling in every crumbly bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the rich texture of cheesecake with the lightness of coffee cake
- Bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite
- Buttery crumb topping adds irresistible texture
- Simple ingredients with bakery-style results
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gifting
Ingredients
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For The Cake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, unthawed)
For The Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare The Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar until smooth. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare The Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
- Prepare The Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble The Bars: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 320 kcal
Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the batter and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the cream cheese filling.
- Berry Mix: Swap some blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Almond Twist: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the cake batter for a nutty flavor.
- Mini Muffin Version: Spoon into muffin tins for individually portioned treats.
Storage/Reheating
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Let thaw in the fridge overnight or bring to room temperature before serving. You can warm slightly in the microwave for a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries?
Yes, use them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw, just fold them gently into the batter.
How Do I Know When The Bars Are Done?
The top should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! They can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors get even better overnight.
What’s A Good Substitute For Sour Cream?
Greek yogurt works well and offers the same creamy texture and tang.
Can I Skip The Cream Cheese Layer?
Yes, you can omit the cream cheese filling and just make them into blueberry crumb bars.
Can I Double The Recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need a larger baking dish or bake two separate pans.
What Can I Use Instead Of Butter?
For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or solid coconut oil.
Can I Use A Hand Mixer For The Batter?
Yes, a hand or stand mixer works great for both the batter and cream cheese filling.
Can I Add Nuts To The Topping?
Absolutely! Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
Are These Bars Suitable For Brunch?
Definitely! They pair perfectly with coffee and work well for brunch spreads or holiday mornings.
Conclusion
Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Bars are a delightful fusion of tangy, sweet, and buttery flavors with textures that melt in your mouth and crunch on top. Perfect for any season and any occasion, these bars bring bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen. Whether you serve them as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite.
More Sweet Treats You’ll Love
- Start your morning right with a protein-rich and fruity Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake—a wholesome companion to your favorite bars.
- Enjoy a creamy, decadent twist with Blueberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast—perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Love the cheesecake flavor combo? Try the Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies for a bite-sized take on your favorite dessert.
- Add a tart contrast with the buttery Zesty Lemon Crumble Bars—a great follow-up to blueberry sweets.
- Spread the berry love with Rustic Blueberry Butter—delicious on warm toast or as a topping for baked goods.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious blend of tangy cream cheese, sweet blueberries, and a buttery crumb topping—these bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- For the Cake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, unthawed)
- For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- These bars store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg