Blueberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars

These blueberry cheesecake crumble bars are so delicious with a creamy thick cheesecake layer, bright blueberry filling with lemon, and crunchy crumbles (using the same dough for the crust and the crumbles). You need 9 ingredients, and it takes only 20 minutes to prepare!

I adapted today’s recipe from my apple cheesecake bars and blueberry oatmeal bars. Simply, I combined the shortbread crust from the apple bars with the blueberry filling from the oatmeal bars.

The process is so easy:

• Prepare the dough: Press the dough into the pan and bake for 12 minutes.
• Prepare the layers: While the crust bakes and then cools for 10 minutes, quickly work on the cheesecake and blueberry fillings.
• Layer & bake: Pour the fillings over the crust, add the leftover dough as crumbles  and bake again.

That’s all! After the ingredient list, I’ll share the whole process below with step-by-step photos.

Ingredients you’ll need

You can find the exact quantities at the bottom of my post, in the recipe card.

• Fresh Blueberries:Just enough to cover the cheesecake base.
• All-Purpose Flour: To create the shortbread crust and crumbles.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted.  Adds a rich flavor to the crust and crumbles. 
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough, cheesecake layer and blueberry filling.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Base of the cheesecake filling.
• Cornstarch: Thicken the cheesecake layer and blueberry filling.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: For the classic cheesecake flavor
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the rich cheesecake layer and blueberry filling.
• Large Eggs: Creates structure in the cheesecake layer.

Step by Step Instructions

Crust and Crumbles

First I prepare the dough.  I start by mixing the flour and sugar in a medium bowl with a spoon.  Then I add the melted butter and stir until well combined.

I press ⅔ of the mixture (about 385 grams) into an 8-inch (20cm) square, oven-proof dish lined with parchment paper, and set aside the remaining ⅓ for the crumbles. If your kitchen is hot, you can keep the crumble mixture in the fridge until you use it.

I bake for 12-14 minutes until it is darker at the edges but it barely changes color in the middle. I let it cool for 10 minutes until it is warm.

While the crust is baking and cooling, I prepare the cheesecake and blueberry filling.

Cheesecake Filling

I start by beating cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until just combined. You can either use a whisk or a handheld mixer.

I am using a whisk; the mixture clumps in the center initially, but as I keep whisking, it smooths  into a rich, creamy texture. Then, I gently tap my whisk against the side of the bowl to release any trapped cream mixture.

Next, I add the cornstarch and stir until just combined.

I add the vanilla extract, lemon juice and lemon zest and stir with a whisk until just combined.

Finally I add the eggs one at a time and stir until just combined; I don’t overwhisk. I set aside the bowl.

Blueberry Filling

I place the blueberries into a medium bowl, add the sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest and lemon juice and stir with a spoon.

Assemble and Bake

I pour the cheesecake filling into the par-baked crust and swirl the pan to let it spread. If needed, you can use a spoon. Then, I gently place the blueberry filling on top. There may be some gaps but don’t attempt to add more blueberries. They will spread as they bake.

And finally I sprinkle the remaining ⅓ dough on top and gently press them so they stick to the cheesecake layer. I bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is lightly golden brown and the sides set and middle is a little jiggly.

I let it cool at room temperature first and then completely cool in the fridge at least 3 hours before slicing. Letting it set overnight is the best option.

Enjoy these deliciously easy and simple blueberry cheesecake bars with crumbles!

Other Cheesecake Recipes You May Enjoy!

• Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes
• Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
• Apple Cheesecake Bars
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Other Blueberry Recipes You May Enjoy!

• Blueberry Blondies
• Blueberry Lemon Coffee Cake
• Lemon Blueberry Cookies
• Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
• Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
• Apple Blueberry Pie
• Apple and Blueberry Crumble