Description
These Lavender and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful blend of floral lavender and sweet blueberries. With a creamy cheesecake filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and a crumb topping, this dessert is a refreshing twist on classic cheesecake bars. Perfect for spring, these bars are easy to make and visually stunning, ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Lavender Syrup:
2 cups blueberries, divided
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1.5 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon zest
For the Crust:
1 cup crushed graham crackers
¼ cup sugar
4 tablespoons melted butter
Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 eggs
½ cup sugar
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
For the Crumb Topping:
¼ cup flour
¼ cup old-fashioned oats
⅛ cup brown sugar
⅛ cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons cold butter
Instructions
-
Make the Blueberry Lavender Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 cups blueberries, water, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Simmer for 10 minutes and then remove from heat. Add lavender using a tea strainer and steep for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. -
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt in a bowl. Press the mixture into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely. -
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Pour over the cooled crust. Drizzle the blueberry lavender syrup over the filling and sprinkle with remaining blueberries. -
Make the Crumb Topping:
Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, almonds, and cold butter in a bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter to create a coarse crumb mixture. Sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake filling and syrup. -
Bake the Bars:
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cheesecake is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Notes
The bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies.
To make these bars vegan, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and flax eggs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 346 kcal
