Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 0.25 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1.5 cups (225g) fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar (for blueberry layer)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 0.25 cup (60g) sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
  • 0.5 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tbsp (42g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring enough overhang on the sides to create a sling for easy removal.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 85g melted butter, 25g granulated sugar, and salt. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Par-bake the crust for 10 minutes at 350°F to seal the surface. Remove from the oven and set aside while preparing the layers.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, 25g sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until the berries burst and the mixture thickens into a jammy consistency. Set aside to cool.
  5. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 100g sugar until completely smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed until just incorporated. Fold in the sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest.
  6. In a separate small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in the 42g of cold cubed butter with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Pour the cream cheese filling over the par-baked crust. Spoon the blueberry reduction over the filling and use a knife to swirl it gently.
  8. Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the blueberry swirl.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350°F, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
  10. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before slicing into 16 squares.