Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling)
These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are every bit as dreamy as they look. The graham cracker crust is buttery and crisp, the lemony cheesecake layer is smooth and tangy, and the vibrant blueberry swirl on top? Total showstopper. They taste as good as they look—fresh, creamy, and just sweet enough.
Creamy lemon cheesecake with a vibrant blueberry swirl on a buttery graham crust—dessert bars that steal the spotlight.
These are one of my favorite make-ahead treats for spring and summer gatherings. The swirl not only adds that pop of color but also delivers bursts of real blueberry flavor in every bite. It’s easier to do than it looks—just a quick puree and a swirl with a toothpick or knife. Once chilled, they slice beautifully and hold up well for brunch tables, picnics, or weeknight sweet cravings.
The lemon zest brightens the whole bar, and the texture is silky smooth with just the right amount of tartness. Whether you serve them straight from the fridge or let them sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly, these bars are refreshing, elegant, and surprisingly low-effort.
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 12 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 280
For the crust:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the blueberry swirl:
¾ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp sugar
For the filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup sour cream
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps
Step 1
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
Step 3
In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until berries burst and mixture thickens slightly. Blend until smooth, then cool.
Step 4
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Step 5
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until combined.
Step 6
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Step 7
Spoon small dots of blueberry puree over the surface, then use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the batter.
Step 8
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is just set.
Step 9
Let cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing.
Make it your own!
🫐 Use mixed berries
Swap in raspberries or blackberries for the swirl for a fun twist in color and flavor.🍫 Add a chocolate element
Drizzle dark chocolate over the chilled bars for a rich contrast.🌿 Infuse with herbs
Add a bit of chopped basil or thyme to the blueberry puree for a subtle gourmet upgrade.🍪 Try a cookie crust
Swap graham crackers for crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for extra flavor.
