If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a gentle hug from summer itself, the Lavender and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your perfect go-to. These bars bring together the delicate floral notes of lavender and the vibrant burst of fresh blueberries, all nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust and finished with a crumbly oat topping. The creamy cheesecake filling is silky smooth and just tangy enough to balance the sweet syrup drizzled over it. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the fragrant lavender that adds a whimsical touch, to the fresh blueberries delivering juicy sweetness and vibrant color. The crust gives a satisfying crunch while the creamy filling melts in your mouth. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert.
- 2 cups blueberries, divided: Fresh blueberries bring natural sweetness and that signature blueberry burst in every bite.
- ¼ cup water: Helps to gently simmer and infuse the blueberry syrup.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds perfect sweetness to the syrup and complements the tartness of blueberries.
- 1.5 tablespoons dried culinary lavender: Imparts a delicate floral aroma that elevates the flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the syrup and filling.
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest: Gives a refreshing citrus brightness to the syrup.
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers: Forms the crispy, buttery crust foundation.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the crust just right.
- 4 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the crust ingredients for that perfect crumbly texture.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, delivering rich, creamy indulgence.
- 2 eggs: Bind the cheesecake mixture together, giving it structure.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the lavender and blueberries.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tangy moisture and velvety texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- ¼ cup flour: Part of the crumb topping for a bit of structure.
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats: Adds chewy texture and wholesome flavor to the topping.
- â…› cup brown sugar: Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the topping.
- â…› cup sliced almonds: Contributes a toasty crunch and nutty dimension.
- 2 tablespoons cold butter: Creates that irresistible crumbly topping texture when mixed in.
How to Make Lavender and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Make the Blueberry Lavender Syrup
Begin by combining 1.5 cups of fresh blueberries, water, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the blueberries to release their natural juices and combine with the citrus and vanilla flavors. Once simmered, remove from heat and steep the dried lavender inside a tea strainer in the syrup for 15 minutes. This thoughtful step infuses the syrup with a floral elegance without overpowering the fresh fruitiness. Set the syrup aside to cool while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed. Firmly press this mixture into the base of the pan to create a sturdy yet crumbly crust. Bake it for 10 minutes to give it a slight toast and allow it to set. Cooling the crust completely before adding filling will ensure your bars hold together beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, avoiding any lumps. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue mixing until everything is perfectly combined into a luscious, velvety batter. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust with care, spreading it evenly. Drizzle your cooled blueberry lavender syrup generously over the top, and scatter the remaining blueberries across the surface for a burst of color and flavor in every square.
Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping
For the final textural touch, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, and sliced almonds in a bowl. Add the cold butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to cut it into the dry ingredients until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture. This crumb topping adds the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, complementing the creamy and fruity layers below. Sprinkle it evenly across the cheesecake filling and syrup to prepare for baking.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the cheesecake filling to be mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center—this ensures a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture once chilled. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight for perfect firmness and flavor melding before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Lavender and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These cheesecake bars are already a showstopper, but a few garnish ideas can elevate them even more. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh lavender sprigs, or an extra handful of fresh blueberries placed elegantly on each bar. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream can bring an additional layer of indulgence that complements the delicate floral and fruity flavors.
Side Dishes
Serving these bars alongside a refreshing mint lemonade or a gently brewed chamomile tea can create a lovely balance of flavors. For a brunch or afternoon tea, pair them with light fruit salads or citrus sorbets that complement the natural brightness of the blueberries and the soft fragrance of lavender in the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic square slice! Try serving smaller bite-sized bars for a party platter, or layer them in a glass parfait with whipped cream and fresh blueberries for an elegant, deconstructed presentation. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and tying with a lavender sprig makes for a charming edible gift, perfect for sharing this unique recipe with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, these bars store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They remain fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a convenient treat to enjoy throughout the week without losing any of their delicious appeal.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze the cheesecake bars either before or after baking. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Ideally, freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge to retain their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Reheating
Since these are best served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you prefer them slightly less cold, let the bars sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow their flavors and texture to shine through perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh culinary lavender can be a lovely alternative, but use it sparingly since its aroma is more potent. A small bouquet tied as a bundle steeped in the syrup will do the trick without overwhelming the blueberry flavor.
What if I don’t have graham crackers for the crust?
No problem! You can substitute with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies. Just make sure to toast them lightly for that perfect crisp texture and buttery taste.
Is there a way to make these bars vegan?
While the traditional recipe uses cream cheese and eggs, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese alternatives and flax or chia seeds as egg substitutes. Keep in mind, the texture might differ slightly, but the wonderful flavor combo remains delightful.
Can I make the blueberry lavender syrup ahead of time?
Yes! The syrup can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen even more, intensifying that gorgeous floral and fruity essence in your bars.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The key is to watch for a mostly set filling that still jiggles slightly in the center. The edges will look firm and set, but gentle movement in the middle ensures the cheesecake will be creamy and luscious once chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Lavender and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is truly a special treat that effortlessly combines elegance with comfort. The blend of floral, fruity, and creamy elements makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to impress friends, family, or just indulge themselves with something irresistibly delicious. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a cherished favorite you’ll return to time and again!
Print
Lavender and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lavender and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars combine a delicate floral blueberry lavender syrup with a smooth cream cheese filling atop a graham cracker crust, finished with a crunchy oat and almond crumb topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and aromatic, these bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
Crust
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Pinch of salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Crumb Topping
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/8 cup brown sugar
- 1/8 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
Instructions
- Make the Blueberry Lavender Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 cups of blueberries, water, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat, add the dried culinary lavender using a tea strainer, and steep for 15 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, continuing to beat until you have a creamy, uniform batter. Pour this filling over the cooled crust. Drizzle the previously made blueberry lavender syrup over the cheesecake filling and scatter the remaining 0.5 cup of blueberries on top.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, sliced almonds, and cold butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until a coarse crumb mixture forms. Evenly sprinkle this crumb topping over the cheesecake layer with syrup and berries.
- Bake the Bars: Bake everything in the oven for 35-40 minutes. The cheesecake filling should be mostly set but retain a slight jiggle in the center, indicating it is perfectly baked. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother batter.
- Steeping lavender with a tea strainer prevents bits of lavender from falling into the syrup.
- Let the bars chill thoroughly in the fridge to achieve clean slices.
- Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, try substituting sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts.
