Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that’s both elegant and utterly irresistible: this Decadent Blueberry Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Filling. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy, subtly zesty cheesecake filling, all crowned with a vibrant, luscious blueberry sauce. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a slice of heaven that promises to delight your senses and leave a lasting impression. Perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave a truly remarkable sweet treat.

Why I Love This Recipe

Cheesecake has always been one of my favorite desserts, but this blueberry version elevates it to a whole new level. What I absolutely adore about this recipe is the incredible balance of flavors. The tanginess of the cream cheese filling is perfectly complemented by the bright, zesty lemon, creating a refreshing base. Then, the homemade blueberry topping brings a burst of sweet-tart fruitiness that cuts through the richness, making every bite a delight.

I also appreciate the distinct textures: the crisp, buttery graham cracker crust, the smooth, velvety cheesecake, and the slightly chunky, sweet blueberry sauce. It’s a dessert that feels incredibly luxurious and impressive, yet the steps are surprisingly straightforward. The slow cooling method is a genius trick to prevent cracks, ensuring your cheesecake looks as good as it tastes. It’s truly a labor of love that pays off in every single decadent slice, making it a go-to for special occasions and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magnificent blueberry cheesecake:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened (full-fat brick cream cheese is essential)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for best texture)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

For the Luscious Blueberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (this is your slurry)

Swaps and Notes

• Graham Crackers: You can use other crushed cookies for the crust, such as vanilla wafers or even chocolate cookies for a chocolate twist.
• Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese will not yield the same creamy, rich texture.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream is highly recommended for the best texture and slight tang. Full-fat plain Greek yogurt can be a substitute, but the flavor might be slightly different.
• Eggs: Ensure eggs are at room temperature to incorporate more easily into the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is best for a rich flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for both the filling’s zestiness and the topping’s brightness.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries work equally well for the topping. If using frozen, add them directly to the saucepan without thawing.
• Cornstarch Slurry: This is essential for thickening the blueberry sauce. Make sure the water is cold when mixing with cornstarch to prevent lumps.

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Directions:

Creating this delightful blueberry cheesecake involves a few distinct stages, but each step is straightforward and contributes to the final perfect result.

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature is ideal for baking cheesecake, helping to prevent cracks.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Mix everything together thoroughly until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly.
3. Press and Bake Crust: Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to compact it tightly. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutesuntil it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the 3 (8 oz) packages softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This is a crucial step for a silky-smooth cheesecake.
5. Add Wet Ingredients to Filling: Gradually add the 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low to medium speed until everything is just combined and harmonious. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
6. Incorporate Eggs: Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing gently on low speed just until each egg is incorporated into the batter. Again, avoid overmixing once the eggs are added, as too much air can cause cracking.
7. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the luscious cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips). Bake for 50–60 minutes. The center of the cheesecake should appear mostly set but still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. The edges might look more firm.
8. Cooling (Crucial Step!): Once the baking time is complete, turn off the oven, but do not remove the cheesecake. Instead, crack the oven door open slightly (you can use a wooden spoon to prop it open) and let your cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour. This slow cooling process helps prevent drastic temperature changes, which are often the culprit for cheesecake cracking.
9. Chill Completely: After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake to a wire rack and let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to fully set and for the flavors to meld.
10. Make Blueberry Topping: While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the dreamy blueberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries start bursting and the mixture is simmering gently.
11. Thicken Topping: In a separate tiny bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering blueberry mixture, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
12. Assemble & Serve: Once your cheesecake has thoroughly chilled and the blueberry topping is ready and cooled, carefully spoon the blueberry mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Remove the springform pan sides. Slice the cheesecake using a warm, sharp knife (run under hot water and wipe clean between slices for neat cuts). Serve chilled, garnished with fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest if you like. Enjoy your slice of heaven!

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Pro Tip:

Want next-level flavor and texture? After the cheesecake has fully cooled and chilled, the flavors deepen even more on the second day. So, making it the day before you plan to serve it often results in an even more spectacular dessert. This also allows the blueberry topping to cool completely, which is ideal before adding to the chilled cheesecake.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Blueberry Cheesecake is a showstopper all on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience.

• Fresh Garnishes: A few extra fresh blueberries, a sprig of mint, or a delicate sprinkle of lemon zest adds a beautiful touch and enhances the fresh flavors.
• Coffee or Tea: A rich cup of coffee or a comforting herbal tea pairs wonderfully with the sweetness and creaminess of the cheesecake.
• Light Beverage: For a refreshing counterpoint, a glass of This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days would be a delightful pairing, echoing the blueberry notes in the dessert.
• After-Dinner Indulgence: Serve as the grand finale to any meal, from a casual family dinner to a festive holiday gathering.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This cheesecake stores beautifully, making it excellent for entertaining or enjoying over several days.

• Storage: Store the Blueberry Cheesecake (covered loosely or in an airtight cake carrier) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Covering: If the topping is already on, loosely cover with plastic wrap without touching the topping, or use a cake dome.
• Freezing Cheesecake (Un-topped): Baked and completely cooled cheesecake (without the blueberry topping) can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before topping and serving.
• Freezing Blueberry Topping: The cooled blueberry topping can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved indulging in this creamy, dreamy cheesecake, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic dessert recipes:

• For another fantastic no-bake treat with a delightful twist, check out This Grasshopper Pie Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twist.
• If you’re a fan of quick and easy no-bake desserts, my This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack is a must-try.
• For a refreshing summer dessert that comes together in a flash, don’t miss This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert.
• And if you’re looking for another delightful no-bake fall treat, consider This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat.

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Final Thoughts

This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is truly a masterpiece of comfort and indulgence. It’s a dessert that not only looks stunning but delivers on every promise of rich, moist chocolate and creamy, tangy goodness. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or simply when you want to treat yourself to something truly special. Dive in and savor every decadent bite!

What’s your ultimate chocolate dessert fantasy? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and show-stopping recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.