Indulge in these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a heavenly treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh zing of strawberries and a delightful crumble topping. Each layer of this dessert offers something unique: a crunchy graham cracker base, a smooth and tangy cheesecake middle, and a sweet, crumbly topping enhanced with fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to delight everyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This: These cheesecake bars strike the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. The use of fresh strawberries not only adds a burst of flavor but also a beautiful contrast to the creamy cheesecake. The crumble topping provides a satisfying texture that complements the softness of the filling. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are a fantastic choice for both novice bakers and seasoned dessert aficionados.
Perfect Occasion: These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations. They’re also great for baking in batches and sharing as gifts during festive seasons or simply as a sweet treat to brighten someone’s day.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish each bar with a slice of fresh strawberry or a sprig of mint before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the crumble topping can also add visual appeal and a hint of extra sweetness.
Ingredients:
- For the Base:
- 160g biscuits or graham crackers
- 80g salted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 500g cream cheese, room temperature
- 140g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 7g cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 80ml heavy cream
- For the Strawberry Topping:
- 300g strawberries, chopped
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 65g light brown sugar
- 65g unsalted butter, room temperature
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Crush the biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish and refrigerate while making the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Blend the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sugar, vanilla, eggs (one at a time), cornstarch, salt, and heavy cream until well combined.
- Pour over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- Cook half the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until syrupy. Let cool, then mix in the remaining strawberries.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake the cheesecake layer for 35-40 minutes until set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Add the Toppings:
- Spread the strawberry topping over the cheesecake.
- Mix flour and brown sugar for the crumble. Rub in the butter until the mixture forms crumbs. Sprinkle over the strawberry layer.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes until the crumble is golden.
- Chill and Serve:
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight.
- Lift out of the pan using the overhanging parchment, slice into bars, and serve.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to make any day a little sweeter!
