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Blueberry-lemon cheesecake bars

395

  • Prep Time25 mins
  • Total Time1 hr 30 mins
  • Makes16 servings
*PLUS chilling time
Blueberry-lemon cheesecake bars

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Chatelaine Triple Tested

Wild blueberries are at their peak, so let's grab some at the market and bake a delicious dessert! The fresh berries, lemon and cream cheese make this the perfect East-coast inspired treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup butter, at room temperature

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

  • 1/4 tsp salt

FILLING

  • 2 170-g tubs fresh blueberries, about 2 cups

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp lemon zest

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 2 250-g blocks cream cheese, at room temperature

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp vanilla

  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  • PREHEAT oven to 350F. Line a 9x13-in. baking pan with parchment, letting it overhang the pan.

  • BEAT butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium, until creamy. Beat in flour, 1 tbsp lemon zest and salt until combined. Press dough over bottom of prepared pan. Bake in centre of oven until edges are golden, 25 to 30 min.

  • COMBINE blueberries with brown sugar, 2 tbsp lemon zest and juice in a small saucepan, and set over medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries are just soft, 8 to 10 min. Set aside to cool.

  • BEAT cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl with an electric mixer on medium, until smooth. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until combined. Scrape mixture into warm crust and smooth top. Dollop blueberry mixture all over top. Gently pull a knife tip through the top to create swirls.

  • BAKE in centre of oven until filling is set, about 40 min. Transfer to a rack to cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into 16 bars.


Nutrition (per bar)

Calories 368, Protein 5g, Carbohydrates 30g, Fat 26g, Fibre 1g, Sodium 247mg.

Tip: Replace fresh blueberries with 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries (do not thaw).

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