Elegant Blueberry Lemon Cheesecak Bars 💜🍋🍰
Ingredients:
-1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
-1/4 cup granulated sugar
-1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
-3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
-1 cup granulated sugar
-3 large eggs
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/2 cup sour cream
-1/2 cup heavy cream
-Zest of 2 lemons
-1 cup halved blueberries
-Whipped cream for topping
-Fresh blueberries for garnish (Optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and lemon zest until fully combined.
Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the halved blueberries over the cream cheese layer. Gently swirl them in with a knife.
Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture on top and repeat with the remaining halved blueberries, swirling gently with a knife.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into bars.
Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh blueberries before serving.