Apple and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

🍎 Apple and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
A luscious fusion of creamy cheesecake, juicy apples, and sweet blueberries atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars strike the perfect balance between tangy and sweet — ideal for dessert trays, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your cheesecake cravings in easy bar form.

🧁 Description

These Apple and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars feature a golden, crumbly base, a silky cream cheese layer, and a topping of caramelized apples and blueberries that burst with natural sweetness. Each bite delivers the smooth texture of cheesecake paired with the comforting flavor of baked fruit — a dessert that’s as elegant as it is easy to make.

🍰 Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake layer:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup sour cream

For the apple-blueberry topping:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

🥣 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the crust: Combine graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.

3. Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and sour cream. Mix just until creamy.

4. Pour over crust and smooth the top.

5. Prepare fruit topping: In a small saucepan, cook apples, blueberries, brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon over medium heat for 5–6 minutes until fruit softens. Stir in cornstarch if you prefer a thicker sauce. Cool slightly.

6. Spoon topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.

7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set.

8. Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Cut into bars before serving.

🍽️ Servings

Makes 12 cheesecake bars.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 40 minutes

• Chill time: 4 hours

• Total: About 5 hours

🧠 Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor.

• Let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent cracking.

• The fruit topping can be swapped for seasonal berries or peaches.

💡 Tips

• Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and clean edges.

• For extra crunch, mix chopped pecans or oats into the crust.

• Always chill before slicing for neat, firm bars.

• To store, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

(Values approximate and vary by ingredients used.)

🌿 Health Benefits

• Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

• Apples aid digestion and provide fiber.

• Cream cheese and eggs offer protein and calcium.

• A moderate portion satisfies dessert cravings without going overboard on sugar.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, though the texture will be slightly less creamy. Full-fat gives a richer taste.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Q: Can I use canned fruit?
A: Yes, but drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

Q: How long should I chill it before serving?
A: At least 4 hours, but overnight chilling develops the best texture.

Q: How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
A: Avoid overmixing and do not overbake. The center should still jiggle slightly when removed.