Let’s talk desserts—specifically, those sweet treats that don’t require an oven, like these No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars that are simply too good to pass up. Imagine a blissful blend of creamy cheesecake and vibrant blueberries, coming together in a symphony of flavors that somehow reminds me of lazy summer afternoons spent chasing clouds. Honestly, who needs complicated recipes when you can have this simple, yet utterly delightful, concoction?
Steps
- Prepare the Blueberry Jam: In a small saucepan, combine all jam ingredients and bring to a simmer. Allow the blueberries to pop and release their juices. Stir the mixture, boiling over medium heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Spread it onto a lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold and thick.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, mix all crust ingredients until they hold together when pressed. Use your hands to ensure the mixture is well-coated with butter. Press the mixture into a 9×11 inch pan lined with parchment paper, then refrigerate until firm.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and softened. Add sugar, and continue beating until dissolved, then mix in lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Switch to the whisk attachment, gradually add cream, and whisk on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bars: Pour the cheesecake base onto the prepared crust and spread evenly. Dollop the blueberry jam on top and swirl with an offset spatula for a marbled effect. Alternatively, mix the jam into the cheesecake base for a uniform blueberry distribution.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Once set, slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled.
Ingredients
- bake blueberry cheesecake bars:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
- Unsalted Butter
- Light Brown Sugar
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
- Lemon Juice
- Granulated Sugar
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese
- Heavy Cream (40% fat)
- bake blueberry cheesecake bars.
Nutritional Values
Calories: 5424kcal | Carbohydrates: 432g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 408g | Saturated Fat: 240g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 24g | Monounsaturated Fat: 96g | Trans Fat: 4.8g | Cholesterol: 1128mg | Sodium: 3984mg | Potassium: 1680mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 336g | Vitamin A: 14544IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 912mg | Iron: 9.6mg
FAQ
- Why didn’t my no-bake cheesecake bars firm up?
- If your cheesecake bars didn’t set properly, it’s likely because the whipped cream wasn’t beaten to stiff peaks before incorporating it into the cheesecake mixture. Additionally, ensure that you’ve allowed enough time for chilling, as insufficient chill time can prevent the bars from setting.
- How long should I chill the cheesecake bars for optimal results?
- For best results, the cheesecake bars should be chilled for 4 to 8 hours. For a convenient make-ahead dessert, chilling them overnight is ideal.
- What is the best way to store these cheesecake bars?
- Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days this way.
- Can I use a different type of jam for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the homemade blueberry jam with your favorite store-bought jam. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as mixed berry or cherry jam, to suit your taste preferences.
- Can this recipe be made into a full cheesecake instead of bars?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe to make a full cheesecake. Use a baking dish, baking pan, or a 9-inch springform pan to create a traditional cheesecake format.
Tips
- Allow adequate chilling time: Ensure you let the bars chill for at least 4 to 8 hours, or even overnight, to prevent them from falling apart when sliced.
- Soften cream cheese thoroughly: To achieve a smooth, lump-free filling, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Choose the right piping bag size: If you’re adding decorative swirls with a piping bag, make sure the opening is large enough for the blueberries in the jam to pass through.
- Chill tools for better whipped cream: For perfectly whipped cream, consider chilling your mixing bowl and whisk attachment before use.
Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle and whisk attachments
- 9 x 11 inch baking pan
- Offset spatula
- Piping bag (optional, for fancy swirls)
