The Unforgettable Allure of Lemon Blueberry

If you’ve been following my culinary adventures, you’ll know I have a profound obsession with all things lemon and blueberry. There’s something truly magical about this flavor combination – the zesty brightness of lemon perfectly complementing the sweet, slightly tart burst of fresh blueberries. It’s a pairing that evokes images of sunny days, refreshing breezes, and effortless joy.

My kitchen has seen its fair share of lemon blueberry creations, from Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Bites that make mornings brighter, to a comforting Blueberry Lemon Loaf, and even a revitalizing Blueberry Lemon Zinger Smoothie. And let’s not forget the indulgent Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding with Blueberry Sauce. Each recipe celebrates this dynamic duo, and these Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bars are no exception. They are, in a word, CRAZY delicious and utterly irresistible!

Why These Bars Are an Absolute Must-Try

While I certainly appreciate a rich chocolate dessert, there’s a special place in my heart for lemony treats. Give me a vibrant, citrus-infused dessert any day of the week, and I’m a happy baker. And when it comes to bar cookies, as much as I adore classic chocolate brownies, their blonde counterparts – blondies – hold a truly special appeal. Their buttery, chewy texture forms the perfect canvas for endless flavor possibilities.

These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bars represent the pinnacle of dessert innovation. They are a delightful “mashup” that brings together three beloved elements: the rich chewiness of a classic blondie, the velvety smoothness of a cheesecake, and the fresh, fruity essence of blueberries. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that creates an unparalleled dessert experience.

Imagine biting into a bar where a tender, buttery blondie layer, infused with just the right amount of tart lemon zest, gives way to a decadent, smooth, and creamy vanilla cheesecake layer. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there! The top is adorned with additional chunks of that irresistible blondie batter, studded generously with fresh, juicy blueberries, and finished with a delicate sprinkling of granulated sugar for a subtle crunch and extra sparkle. Are you drooling yet? Because I certainly am!

Crafting the Perfect Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bar

The beauty of these bars lies in their layered construction, each component contributing to the overall harmony of the dessert. Let’s break down what makes each layer so special:

The Zesty Lemon Blondie Base

Our blondie layer is anything but basic. It’s rich with butter and features both light brown sugar and granulated sugar, creating that signature chewy texture and deep, caramel-like sweetness. The star, however, is the generous addition of fresh lemon zest. This isn’t just a hint; it’s a bright, fragrant burst of citrus that cuts through the richness and prepares your palate for the creamy layer to come. It’s the perfect foundation for our cheesecake masterpiece.

The Creamy Vanilla Cheesecake Swirl

Nestled atop the lemon blondie is a smooth, luscious cheesecake layer. Made with room-temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, a large egg, and a touch of vanilla extract, this layer bakes up to a dreamy, velvety consistency. The vanilla adds a classic sweetness that beautifully complements the lemon and blueberry, creating a harmonious balance in every bite. It’s a touch of elegance in a rustic bar.

The Burst of Fresh Blueberries

No Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bar would be complete without its namesake fruit! We sprinkle a generous amount of fresh, plump blueberries over the cheesecake layer. As they bake, these little gems soften and release their sweet, tangy juices, creating pockets of fruity goodness. The vibrant blue provides a beautiful visual contrast and an exciting pop of flavor with every mouthful.

The magic truly happens as these bars bake. The blondie chunks on top get delightfully crispy, while the cheesecake sets to a perfect creamy wobble. The blueberries burst, mingling their flavor with the surrounding sweetness. The waiting game is truly the hardest part – these beauties need to chill before you can slice into them and enjoy. But trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it!

These bars are like a little taste of spring and summer, a sweet promise to get us through those last lingering weeks of winter. The end is in sight, and with these bars, it’s going to be a delicious journey! Get ready to savor every single bite.

Essential Cook’s Notes for Perfect Blondie Bars

To ensure your Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• **Lemon Zest is Key:** Don’t skimp on the lemon zest! I recommend adding one heaping tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the blondie batter. This provides that incredible, bright lemon flavor without making the bars too tart. Fresh zest is far superior to bottled.
• **The Art of “Just a Tad Giggly”:** When baking, you want the bars to be set around the edges but still “just a bit giggly” in the center. This indicates the cheesecake layer is perfectly cooked – creamy, not dry, and will firm up beautifully as it cools. Overbaking can lead to a dry blondie and rubbery cheesecake.
• **Cooling is Crucial:** This is arguably the most important step! It will be tough, but resist the urge to cut into them while they’re warm. The cheesecake layer needs ample time to set completely. Attempting to slice them warm will result in a messy, crumbling disaster. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature, and ideally, chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or longer) before slicing for clean, perfect squares.
• **Cutting for Servings:** You can cut these bars into any size you desire. I typically slice them into 9 or 12 squares, depending on how large you want your portions. A sharp knife, wiped clean between cuts, will give you the cleanest edges.

Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bars

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bars

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 12 bars

These Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bars are a delicious, refreshing dessert mash up!

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Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

Cheesecake Layer

• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt

Blondie Layer

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus a bit extra for sprinkling on top of bars
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 heaping Tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar until light, smooth, and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to beat on low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overmix. Set aside.

Blondie Layer

1. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), cream the slightly cooled melted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and the heaping tablespoon of fresh lemon zest until evenly distributed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can result in tough blondies.
6. Press about half of the blondie batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×9 inch baking pan.
7. Carefully pour the prepared cheesecake batter over the blondie base, smoothing it out gently with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
8. Evenly sprinkle the fresh blueberries over the cheesecake layer.
9. Take the remaining blondie batter and drop it in small, irregular chunks over the blueberry-studded cheesecake layer. This creates a beautiful, rustic, and textured top.
10. Finally, sprinkle a bit of extra granulated sugar over the top of the bars. This adds a lovely sparkle and a slight crunch to the crust.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown, and the center is “just a tad giggly” when gently shaken.
12. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. This is essential for the cheesecake to fully set and for easy, clean slicing. For best results and the cleanest cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before slicing into squares.
13. Slice into 9 or 12 squares and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 407 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 54 g |
Protein: 5 g |
Fat: 20 g |
Saturated Fat: 11 g |
Cholesterol: 104 mg |
Sodium: 196 mg |
Potassium: 136 mg |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugar: 37 g |
Vitamin A: 692 IU |
Vitamin C: 1 mg |
Calcium: 62 mg |
Iron: 1 mg

Keyword: cheesecake, blondies, bars, dessert, lemon, blueberry

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once cooled and sliced, these Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Blondie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

While these bars are absolutely divine on their own, consider serving them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence. They are perfect for potlucks, brunches, picnics, or simply as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

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