These blueberry cream cheese bars feature a luscious creamy center, pops of tart berries, and a buttery oat crumble baked until golden. They strike the perfect balance between richness and freshness, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for gatherings or everyday treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars offer a delightful contrast of textures—crumbly, creamy, and juicy all at once. The oat crust and topping add a rustic touch, while the smooth cream cheese filling brings richness without being overly sweet. They’re simple to prepare, bake beautifully, and slice neatly once chilled. Whether served at a potluck or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these bars never disappoint.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crumble crust and topping:
3/4 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups quick oats (uncooked)
For the cream cheese filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
For the fruit layer:
1 cup blueberries (or raspberries)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or coat it lightly with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until creamy.
Add the baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and fully combined.
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 13 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Place the cream cheese in a bowl and stir until smooth. Slowly whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla and egg yolk and mix well.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the partially baked crust and spread evenly.
Scatter the berries evenly over the filling.
Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble over the top and gently press it in.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate until firm before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 15–18 bars, depending on how they are cut.
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Bake time: 33–38 minutes total
Cooling/chilling time: at least 2 hours for clean slicing
Variations
Use raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries for a more complex flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble for a warm spice note.
Stir 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the cream cheese filling for added brightness.
Substitute half of the blueberries with chopped strawberries for a mixed-berry version.
Use whole oats if desired; the texture will be slightly heartier.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooled, sliced bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. These bars are best enjoyed chilled and do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen blueberries?
Yes. Both work well. If using frozen, thaw, rinse, and dry them to avoid excess moisture.
Can I use other fruits besides blueberries?
Raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of berries all work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I use whole oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly chewier.
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes. Freeze in a single layer or with parchment between layers, then thaw in the refrigerator.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because of the cream cheese filling, they must be stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use light cream cheese?
You can, but the texture may be slightly softer.
Can I use canned blueberry pie filling?
It is not recommended, as it tends to be too wet and may prevent the bars from setting properly.
Why do I need to soften the cream cheese first?
Softened cream cheese blends smoothly and prevents lumps in the filling.
How will I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the topping should feel set.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Bake in two pans or use an oversized baking pan, adjusting bake times slightly as needed.
Conclusion
These blueberry cream cheese bars marry a buttery crumble with a smooth, rich filling and bright bursts of berry flavor. They’re easy enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for entertaining. Once chilled and sliced, they deliver a perfect combination of texture and taste—sure to become a favorite dessert worth making again and again.
These blueberry cream cheese bars combine a rich, tangy cream cheese filling with a buttery oat crumble and bursts of juicy blueberries. Easy to bake and even easier to love, they’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or a sweet everyday treat.
Ingredients
For the crumble crust and topping:
3/4 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups quick oats (uncooked)
For the cream cheese filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
For the fruit layer:
1 cup blueberries (or raspberries)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
Add baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats. Mix until the dough is crumbly and well combined.
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 13 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat cream cheese until smooth. Slowly whisk in sweetened condensed milk until incorporated. Add vanilla and egg yolk; mix well.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the partially baked crust and spread evenly.
Scatter blueberries evenly over the cream cheese filling.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top and lightly press down.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, thaw and pat dry).
Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the filling for a brighter flavor.
