These Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on classic cheesecake, combining a creamy cheesecake layer with a crisp oat topping and sweet, tangy blueberry filling. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are as indulgent as they are easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love desserts that offer a balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy, these Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake Bars will quickly become your new favorite. The combination of a smooth, rich cheesecake base with the sweetness of blueberries and the comforting crunch of an oat topping is simply irresistible. These bars are easy to make ahead of time, perfect for gatherings or a weekend treat. They can also be customized with other fruit toppings like strawberries or raspberries for variety.

Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake layer:

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream

For the blueberry topping:

2 cups fresh blueberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the crisp topping:

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
For the cheesecake layer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden on top.
While the cheesecake bakes, make the blueberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries burst, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
For the crisp topping, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Once the cheesecake layer is baked and cooled slightly, spread the blueberry topping evenly over it. Sprinkle the crisp topping on top.
Bake the assembled bars for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12-16 bars
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45-55 minutes (includes baking time)
Cooling time: 2 hours

Variations

Fruit swaps: Instead of blueberries, you can use raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and certified gluten-free oats to make these bars gluten-free.
Vegan: Substitute vegan cream cheese, non-dairy butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water) for the eggs.
Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crisp topping for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Reheating: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat them. If you prefer a warm dessert, gently heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid in the topping.

2. How long do the Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake Bars need to cool?

It’s important to let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They need a few hours of cooling and chilling, making them ideal for preparing the day before you plan to serve them.

4. What other fruits can I use for the topping?

You can swap blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or even a mixed berry combination for a different flavor profile.

5. How can I make these bars gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

6. Can I substitute the sour cream in the cheesecake layer?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or even heavy cream for a slightly different flavor and texture.

7. Do I need to refrigerate the bars after baking?

Yes, it’s important to refrigerate the bars after baking to allow the cheesecake layer to firm up properly. This also enhances the flavors.

8. Can I make a smaller batch of this recipe?

Yes, you can halve the ingredients and use a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a smaller square pan to make a smaller batch.

9. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to bake the crust for 8-10 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer. This will help it stay crisp even after the cheesecake is added.

10. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Just be sure to wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake Bars are a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. They’re easy to make and adaptable to different fruits and dietary preferences, making them an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a family gathering or enjoy them as an after-dinner treat, these bars are sure to become a crowd favorite!