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Blueberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars with Brown Butter Crumble

These Blueberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars combine creamy cheesecake, vibrant blueberry filling, and a nutty brown butter crumble for a delightful treat that transports you to cherished family moments.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour I always use King Arthur Flour for consistency
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup unsalted butter, melted For best flavor, use high-quality butter like California Organic
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 oz 16 oz cream cheese, softened I prefer Philadelphia for its smooth texture
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large 2 large eggs room temperature for best mixing
For the Blueberry Layer
  • 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries Feel free to use organic
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Brown Butter Crumble
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix in the melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the other layers.
  3. Make the Blueberry Layer: In another bowl, toss the blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. This will help thicken the blueberries and enhance their natural sweetness.
  4. Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla extract until creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  5. Prepare the Brown Butter Crumble: For that signature nutty flavor, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Keep a close eye on it! In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt, then mix in the browned butter until crumbly.
  6. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Evenly distribute the blueberry mixture on top, then sprinkle the brown butter crumble over everything.
  7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the crumble is golden brown. Keep an eye out for a slight jiggle in the middle—that’s the sweet spot!
  8. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. For the best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at or near room temperature before use. These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.