Recipe | Mason Jar Blueberry Cheesecake

Still looking for that perfect dessert for your Fourth of July BBQ? Well then today is your lucky day! I've got an easy recipe that will look a lot more complicated then it really is! The only issue I faced while making these was while putting the cream cheese layer into the jar, I got some on the sides.. but hey, it's made to be enjoyed not to be pretty.. right!!

Ingredients: makes 6 mason jar cheesecakes!

14 whole graham crackers

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

3 tablespoons brown sugar

pinch of salt

2 cups fresh blueberries (one container)

juice of half a lemon

2 tablespoons cold water

1/2 cup fine granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

2 8oz packs cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup confectioner's sugar

3/4 cup heavy cream

Directions:

In a large bowl crush graham crackers into crumbs using a muddler (end of rolling pin or wooden spoon will work also). Mix melted butter, brown sugar and pinch of salt and throughly combine. Put to side.

In a pan on low heat, put blueberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar.  Keep on heat until blueberries start to break down and is hot. Gently stir in cornstarch mix but try and not break blueberries completely. Stir for about another minute until heated through and mix has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

In another large bowl (or mixer), mix cream cheese until it has loosened to smooth.  Add vanilla extract and confectioners sugar. Whisk with mixer (or hand mixer) until combined.

Separately whisk heavy cream until thick but still soft.  Add the mixture to the cream cheese bowl and gently stir to combine.

Make sure mason jar are clean before adding ingredients. With a tablespoon, add 3 heaping spoonfuls of cracker crumbs into bottom of mason jar and push down to form 'crust'. Next spoon 2 heaping spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture and level it. Add 2 spoonfuls of blueberry mixture. Repeat for all jars. I added remaining juice from blueberries to each one so it soaked through the layers.  Seal with lid and refrigerate until served.

I also made these cheesecakes using strawberries. Or you can get real patriotic and mix blueberries and strawberries! Follow the same directions just substitute strawberries where it calls for blueberries!

What other desserts do you plan on serving at your 4th of July party this weekend?

If you are still looking for a centerpiece for your party check out my post yesterday!