Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combine creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries, all topped with a sweet oat crumble. This recipe is perfect for sharing at gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying as a sweet snack at home. The sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries paired with the rich and creamy cheesecake make every bite a delicious experience. Plus, they are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great dessert option for any occasion.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups chopped strawberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and finely diced

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Make a small well in the center and pour in the melted butter. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
3. Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 8 minutes.
4. While the crust is baking, beat together the cheesecake ingredients—cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract—in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
5. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the strawberries start to burst and juice forms.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the strawberry mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens and looks like pie filling. Remove from heat.
7. For the oatmeal crumble, combine all crumble ingredients in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you achieve a coarse crumble.
8. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Top with the strawberry filling, then sprinkle the crumble topping over the strawberries.
9. Bake for 50 to 70 minutes until the crumble topping is golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 to 60 minutes. Then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before slicing into squares.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars chilled straight from the fridge. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. You can also garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Store the Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to prepare them in advance, they can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth texture.
• For even more flavor, try adding a bit of almond extract to the cheesecake mixture.
• If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar in the crumble topping.

Variation

You can switch up the fruit in this recipe based on what’s in season. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches also work wonderfully. Just adjust the lemon juice and sugar accordingly based on the fruit’s sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

2. How long do these bars need to chill?
For the best flavor and texture, chill the bars in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They will be good for up to 3 months in the freezer.