Description
Deliciously bright and creamy bars with a buttery crust, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- In a bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar (for the crust), salt, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes until edges turn golden.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining sugar and eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice until just combined.
- Gently fold in blueberries.
- Pour the mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the center is set but jiggly.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Use the parchment to lift the slab from the pan and cut into 16 squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or add whipped cream before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. For lighter options, consider using light cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg