If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, these Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat. With a creamy cheesecake layer bursting with the bright, tangy flavor of lemon, paired with sweet, juicy blueberries and a flaky crescent dough crust, these bars are the ideal balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a delicious snack, these bars will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of how to create these easy yet impressive bars!
PrintLemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor! 🍋🫐 These Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. The creamy cheesecake layer is balanced by a zesty lemon kick and topped with juicy blueberries, creating the ultimate balance of tart and sweet. 🍰💫 Perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or as a refreshing treat after a long day. One bite and you’ll be hooked! 😍🍋 #LemonBlueberryCheesecake #CheesecakeBars #TartAndSweet #BerryDelicious #DessertGoals #CheesecakeLovers #FreshAndFruity #SummerTreats #BakingJoy #SweetIndulgence 🍋🫐
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
- 2 (8-oz) bars cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 2 (8-oz) tubes crescent dough
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly and perfectly. Next, lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The addition of sour cream adds a lovely richness and tanginess that pairs perfectly with the lemon flavor. - Prepare the Crescent Dough Base
Unroll one sheet of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure the dough stretches all the way to the edges of the dish. If the dough has perforations, be sure to pinch them closed to create one continuous layer. This dough forms the buttery, flaky base and top of the bars, so it’s essential for creating the perfect texture. - Assemble the Cheesecake Bars
Spread the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the crescent dough base. Once the filling is spread out, sprinkle the blueberries on top in an even layer. The burst of fresh blueberries adds a delightful sweetness and juiciness to each bite. Then, unroll the second sheet of crescent dough and gently place it over the blueberries, pressing the edges to seal. - Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden and fully cooked through. The top should be slightly puffed and golden brown, while the cheesecake filling underneath remains smooth and set. - Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the bars to cool to room temperature in the pan. Once cool, slice them into 12 squares. Before serving, dust each square with powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish. The powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to the already delicious bars.
Notes
- Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute regular cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- Crescent Dough: If you prefer a homemade crust, you can substitute crescent dough with a graham cracker crust or shortbread crust for a different texture. You could also use puff pastry for a lighter, crispier base.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen blueberries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen berries to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Lemon Flavor: If you want to enhance the lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or replace the lemon juice with lemon extract for a more intense citrus kick.
- Additional Toppings: To elevate the bars, consider adding a drizzle of lemon glaze or a dollop of whipped cream when serving. For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
- 2 (8-oz) bars cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 2 (8-oz) tubes crescent dough
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly and perfectly. Next, lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The addition of sour cream adds a lovely richness and tanginess that pairs perfectly with the lemon flavor. - Prepare the Crescent Dough Base
Unroll one sheet of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure the dough stretches all the way to the edges of the dish. If the dough has perforations, be sure to pinch them closed to create one continuous layer. This dough forms the buttery, flaky base and top of the bars, so it’s essential for creating the perfect texture. - Assemble the Cheesecake Bars
Spread the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the crescent dough base. Once the filling is spread out, sprinkle the blueberries on top in an even layer. The burst of fresh blueberries adds a delightful sweetness and juiciness to each bite. Then, unroll the second sheet of crescent dough and gently place it over the blueberries, pressing the edges to seal. - Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden and fully cooked through. The top should be slightly puffed and golden brown, while the cheesecake filling underneath remains smooth and set. - Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the bars to cool to room temperature in the pan. Once cool, slice them into 12 squares. Before serving, dust each square with powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish. The powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to the already delicious bars.
Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
The Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The creamy cheesecake layer, flavored with fresh lemon juice and zest, is rich and smooth, while the blueberries provide a burst of fruity freshness in every bite. The crescent dough crust is buttery and flaky, giving each bar a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. As the bars bake, the kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of buttery dough and fresh fruit—making them hard to resist as they cool!
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute regular cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- Crescent Dough: If you prefer a homemade crust, you can substitute crescent dough with a graham cracker crust or shortbread crust for a different texture. You could also use puff pastry for a lighter, crispier base.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen blueberries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen berries to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Lemon Flavor: If you want to enhance the lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or replace the lemon juice with lemon extract for a more intense citrus kick.
- Additional Toppings: To elevate the bars, consider adding a drizzle of lemon glaze or a dollop of whipped cream when serving. For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a refreshing summer dessert, at family gatherings, or as a sweet treat for brunch. Pair them with a cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing mocktail for an afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’re hosting a party, these bars can easily be cut into bite-sized squares and served as finger food. For a more festive touch, garnish the bars with extra blueberries or a few sprigs of fresh mint. They are also wonderful when enjoyed as a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars combine the best of cheesecake, fruit, and flaky dough in one irresistible dessert. With a buttery crescent dough crust, a creamy and tangy cheesecake layer, and a burst of fresh blueberries, these bars are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends. Simple to prepare but impressive in flavor, they’re sure to be a hit wherever you serve them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your dessert cravings.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the fresh, tangy goodness of these Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars—they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!