The creamy richness of cheesecake pairs so delightfully with the tangy sweetness of blueberries. If you’re a cheesecake fan, these bars are sure to please.
Duration:
Yield: 16 bars (1 per serving)
Prep Time: 15 minutes (not including time to make crust)
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours
BARS:
- 1 recipe Easy Shortbread crust
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered erythritol-based sweetener
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
BLUEBERRY TOPPING:
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol-based sweetener
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
- Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
SWEETENER OPTIONS:
Go ahead and use any sweetener you like, except for granulated bulk sweeteners. Because these bars are not baked, a granulated sweetener would be too gritty.
INGREDIENTS:
TO MAKE THE BARS:
1. Press the shortbread crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan. Freeze the crust while you prepare the cheesecake filling. (Freezing the crust will help it hold together when you spread the filling on top.)
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese with the sweetener and lemon zest until smooth. Beat in the cream until well combined.
3. Spread the filling over the crust. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
TO MAKE THE TOPPING AND ASSEMBLE:
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the blueberries, water, and sweetener to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Sprinkle with the xanthan gum and whisk quickly to combine. Let cool before using.
6. Pour the blueberry topping over the cheesecake—either the entire pan or individual servings. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: As with any cheesecake dessert, these bars need to be kept in the fridge and will last for up to 5 days.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
CALORIES: 193 | FAT: 16.7g | PROTEIN: 3.7g | CARBS: 4.5g | FIBER: 1.2g | ERYTHRITOL: 16g
