This blueberry cheesecake is a must-make dessert for anyone that loves blueberries. A rich, creamy, silky smooth vanilla cheesecake baked over graham cracker crust and topped with a delicious sweet blueberry filling. An absolute heaven.
One of our absolute favorite family desserts is cheesecake. We can make and eat cheesecake at any time of the year. And, as you can see on this blog, I have some really unique cheesecakes like fig cheesecake and mangoes cheesecake along with some amazing mini cheesecake collections.
In fact, I have lost count of the number of times I have made cheesecakes. When I was in university, I would always be in charge of desserts. And, guess what I always made for my friends? Yup, cheesecake! Back then, my favorite recipe used to be old fashion baked cheesecakes. And often, I'd make a strawberry cheesecake and Chocolate Cheesecake because those were easily available.
Table of Content
About this recipe
If you love cheesecake and blueberries, then this is one cheesecake you won't be able to resist. This simple and easy recipe has creamy mascarpone or Philadelphia cream cheese batter baked to perfection. Then, topped with a plump juicy blueberry filling that just melts in the mouth. And, you can make it with fresh or frozen blueberries at any time of the year.
This baked cheesecake has three components.
- The crust - Today, I am using Graham crackers for the crust. But, if you don't have or cannot find Graham crackers you can also use my homemade cheesecake crust. In addition, I have shared three methods to make cheesecake crust from scratch and it's very simple and easy to make.
- The cheesecake batter - Rich, creamy and decadent made with full-fat cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, and eggs. It is my no-fail vanilla cheesecake batter that can be used in so many variations.
- The blueberry filling - The Best thing about this blueberry filling is that you can pour it over the baked cheesecake, or serve it on the side of the cheesecake. For example, I choose to serve the filling on the side because I often will make more than one filling so people have an option. For instance, my raspberry filling, cherry filling, strawberry fillings, and others.
What is the secret to baking a perfect cheesecake? Well, I think there are several very important things. And, I will explain more later on in the post. Most important, these are the directions you should follow.
- Room temperature ingredients
- Don't over-mix the batter
- Bake in a water bath
- Loosen the cheesecake before you chill it
- Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight
Ingredients and substitutes
- Cream cheese - I'm a huge fan of Mascarpone or Philadelphia cheese. I usually rely on one of them. But, that does not mean you can't use any other. Any brand with a high-fat content of 38 to 40% is great.
- Sugar - A good cheesecake is not necessarily too sweet. And yet, you can add more if you like it, extra sweet.
- Sour cream- The tartness in the sour cream helps balance the richness and lighten the heavy cream cheese batter.
- Cornstarch - Keeps the custard cream cheese batter together, which means you get soft silky smooth slices.
- Lemon juice - helps cut the sweetness and brings out the flavor in the cheesecake. It does not affect the taste, so don't worry, it won't make the cheesecake lemony.
- Crackers - I am using Graham crackers with sugar and melted butter for the crust. But, if for some reason you don't have crackers on hand - you can make a cheesecake crust at home from scratch - 3 methods.
- Blueberries - Use fresh blueberries when they are in season. Frozen blueberries also work perfectly well with this cheesecake. No need to thaw the blueberries and they cook right down, soaking all the sugar and become plump.
Quick short video
Step by step instructions (pin)
- I am using an 8-inch round springform pan because I like a little height for my cheesecakes. This will also work with a 9-inch springform pan.
- Preheat the oven at 160 C / 320 F.
- Ensure all the ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese.
Blueberry filling
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice and ¼ cup water over low heat until the sugar has melted
- Combine remaining water with cornstarch.
- Add to the blueberries. Continue to cook on low heat until the blueberry filling is thick and glossy.
- Remove and cool completely
Cheesecake crust
- Pulse Graham crackers in a food processor.
- Add sugar - combine well.
- Then, add the melted butter - combine well.
- Pour the crumbs in an 8-inch springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil.
- Cool to room temperature before pouring cheesecake batter.
Cheesecake batter
- Place the cream cheese in an electric mixer.
- Add the sour cream - combine well.
- Next, add the sugar - combine well.
- Then, add the cornflour, lemon juice, salt, and vanilla - combine well.
- Finally, add the beaten eggs - combine well.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Tap the pan to help the batter settle.
Bake - water bath
- Place the springform pan in a baking pan or roasting rack.
- Pour 2 cups of hot water in the roasting rack outside the springform pan.
- Bake for 70 to 80 minutes until set.
Chill
- Remove from the oven - let cool at room temperature.
- Use an offset spatula to loosen the sides of the pan.
- Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours - preferably overnight.
- You can pour the blueberry filling over the cheesecake before chilling it
- Or serve the blueberry filling along with the cheesecake as I have done here.
Troubleshooting
My cheesecake is curdled?
If you try to mix the batter with cold ingredients they will not blend well and result in curdling. Hence, the best way to smooth this would be to warm the batter in a double boiler and let the batter become smooth. Then, let it cool to room temperature before you bake.
Why did my baked blueberry cheesecake crack?
Over-mixing a cheesecake batter is usually the culprit for cracks as too much air gets incorporated while mixing. Since, the air makes the cheesecake rise during baking and the collapse during cooling causing a crack.
How can I keep my cheesecake from cracking?
- Avoid over mixing.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature especially the cream cheese.
- Cold cream cheese results in over mixing. So, let the cheesecake come to room temperature.
- And, always mix the batter just until the ingredients are incorporated.
How do I fix a crack cheesecake?
- If possible, add a topping like a sour cream topping and bake for 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, add a fruit filling on the cheesecake and chill it until set.
- Another way would be to chill the cake well first. Then, use a clean hand to close the crack.
- Also, using a hot spatula to smooth the top as best you can.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, use a regular pan and bake the cheesecake making sure to line the pan with parchment paper. And, chill the cheesecake well. Then, carefully invert the cheesecake onto a plate, and then, invert it once more onto a serving plate.
I always bake my cheesecake at 150 C/ 300 F. Bake until the cheesecake is set but still has a slight wobble in the center. This will set as the cheesecake cools in the fridge.
Cheesecake is a custard-like batter with cream cheese in it. So it must be baked delicately. And, a water bath insulates the pan and ensures that the batter never gets overheated keeping that custard-like batter moist, soft, and silky.
You can use low-fat cream cheese by adding a bit more starch. But, you will be compromising on taste, texture, and richness.
In fact, you can go as low as 9% cream cheese, but adding about two tablespoons of cornstarch instead of one. The cornstarch will also help add stability.
This baked blueberry cheesecake will last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. However, make sure to wrap it well in cling wrap to prevent it from drying out.
It is better to freeze the cheesecake without the fruit topping for longer shelf life. Also, make sure to wrap it well in plastic to prevent it from drying out. Then, to thaw, keep it wrapped in the refrigerator overnight. The condensation will remain on the plastic leaving the cheesecake dry.
This cheesecake can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and kept in the fridge before serving.
Over-baked cheesecake often has a crack. In addition, the cake will be dry and gritty when cut. The eggs overcook, so the cheesecake becomes firm and dense instead of soft and silky custard-like.
What else can I do with Blueberries?
Blueberries are a very versatile fruit. And, here are some of my favorite recipes you may like to try.
- Blueberry cream cheese bars
- Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes
- Blueberry Crumble
- Mini Blueberry Cream Cheese Tarts
- Apple Blueberry Cupcakes
- Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- Best Blueberry Filling for cakes, pies, and desserts
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Recipe
The Best Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe
Print Pin RateDescription
Video
Ingredients
Blueberry filling
- 7 oz (200 g) Blueberries fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup (50 g) White sugar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- ½ cup (120 ml) Water (divided)
Crust
- 7 oz (200 g) Graham crackers
- 4 tbsp (60 g) Butter unsalted
- 4 tbsp Sugar
Cheesecake filling
- 24 oz (680 g) Cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) Sour cream room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) Sugar
- 4 tbsp Cornstarch
- 4 Eggs large, beaten
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- I am using an 8-inch round springform pan because I like a little height for my cheesecakes. This will also work with a 9-inch springform pan.
- Preheat the oven at 160 C / 320 F.
- Ensure all the ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese.
Blueberry filling
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice and ¼ cup water over low heat until the sugar has melted
- Combine remaining water with cornstarch.
- Add to the blueberries. Continue to cook on low heat until the blueberry filling is thick and glossy.
- Remove and cool completely
Cheesecake crust
- Pulse Graham crackers in a food processor.
- Add sugar - combine well.
- Then, add the melted butter - combine well.
- Pour the crumbs in an 8-inch springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil.
- Cool to room temperature before pouring cheesecake batter.
Cheesecake batter
- Place the cream cheese in an electric mixer.
- Add the sour cream - combine well.
- Next, add the sugar - combine well.
- Then, add the cornflour, lemon juice, salt, and vanilla - combine well.
- Finally, add the beaten eggs - combine well.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Tap the pan to help the batter settle.
Bake - water bath
- Place the springform pan in a baking pan or roasting rack.
- Pour 2 cups of hot water in the roasting rack outside the springform pan.
- Bake for 70 to 80 minutes until set.
Chill
- Remove from the oven - let cool at room temperature.
- Use an offset spatula to loosen the sides of the pan.
- Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours - preferably overnight.
- You can pour the blueberry filling over the cheesecake before chilling it
- Or serve the blueberry filling along with the cheesecake as I have done here.
Recipe Notes
Six tips when making cheesecakes
- Temperature - Always have your ingredients at room temperature. If necessary delay it by a few minutes just so they thaw. You can thaw cream cheese in the microwave at 50% power for 10 secs at a time. Do not melt it as it does alter the taste. Place eggs in warm water to thaw – room temperature eggs mix well in the cheese batter and works best for consistency.
- Quality - Use good quality high-fat cream cheese, like mascarpone Philadelphia as they are thicker in consistency as compared to low-fat cream cheese, which can affect the consistency of your baked batter.
- Pans - Prepare your baking pans properly. Use a springform pan when baking a cheesecake. When baking in a water bath foil the outside of the pan to prevent water from getting into the cheesecake.
- Mixing - Never over-mix a cheesecake batter as this will incorporate air and lead to cracking.
- Crust - bake the cheesecake crust for 10 to 12 minutes before you add the cheesecake crust. This will prevent a soggy crust later.
- Baking - Since cream cheese batter is similar to a custard, baking in a water bath helps keep the custard batter soft and supple rather than dry and spongy. This also prevents cracking.
- Cooling - Run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake before you cool it. This will prevent the cake from cracking as it shrinks while cooling. Make sure to let the cake cool properly. This also helps the custard set and you will be able to make pretty, neat slices. Of course, a chilled cheesecake is also more delicious than a warm one.
Notes -
- Make-ahead - it is always best to make the cheesecake a day ahead of serving. This cheesecake can be made up to 3 days ahead. It will keep well in the fridge for 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze this cheesecake for up to 3 months.
- Water bath - A water bath is simply placing the cake pan in a large roasting pan. Then pour hot water in the roasting pan (outside the cake pan). The steam created by the water helps the custard-based cheesecake bake without cracking. Alternatively, you can place another large baking pan with water on the bottom of the oven if you don't have a large roasting pan or are afraid that springform pan may leak.
- Toppings - I am a huge fan of classic cheesecake without anything on it. But, this is a basic cheesecake and can be topped with an endless list of toppings such as fruit fillings, caramel sauce, butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup. Try my cherry cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, mango cheesecake
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Agness of Run Agness Run
It looks stunning! So creamy and delicious, definitely trying this!
Veena Azmanov
So glad to hear that Agness.
Jemma
Cheese cake is one of my favourite desserts. I love the blueberry topping,
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much Jemma!!
Luci
I feel like I could have serious food feels for this beauty, it looks stunning! I used to love a bit of blueberry cheesecake back in my dairy-eating days <3
Veena Azmanov
Aww... I know!! Thank you Luci <3
Ludmilla
I have made before a cheesecake with mascarpone cheese and is simply divine!! I loved your recipe!! Looks amazing!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much Ludmilla.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
A blueberry cheesecake really is a classic dessert. I have never made a cheesecake before, but I am going to have to give it a try.
Veena Azmanov
Oh you will love cheesecakes Dannii..! My all time favorite desserts!!
Diana
Love this classic! I always made baked cheesecake with blueberry pie filling on top!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you! Diana
Anonymous
I have just noticed that you mentioned posting about your homemade biscuits well i look forward for that thank you
Anonymous
thank you for your reply it is interesting you do your own crust but can you post about it? it seems better than digestive.
Anonymous
HI I ADORE CHEESECAKES YOUR RECIPE LOOKS DELICIOUS THANKS FOR SHARING BUT I HAVE QUESTION SINCE MASCARPONE CHEESE IS EXPENSIVE CAN I JUST REPLACE IT WITH CREAM CHEESE OF SAME AMOUNT AGAIN THANKS FOR SHARING!
Veena Azmanov
Oh yes,, You can also use any other cream cheese with similar fat percentage would be good..
Thanks
Veena