Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Introduction
Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars combine the rich and creamy taste of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavor of fresh strawberries, all finished with a crunchy crumble topping. This dessert is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving dessert for a family gathering or just want to enjoy a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
These Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake. The layers of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries topped with a buttery crumble create a combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love. They are perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are in season. Also, since they can be made ahead of time and served chilled, they make a great dish for potlucks, picnics, or parties. Plus, who can resist a dessert that looks as good as it tastes?
How to Make Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Making these Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars is easier than you might think. Below are the simple steps to create this delectable dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Directions:
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Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes and then remove it from the oven.
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Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and sour cream, mixing until everything is well combined. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust, smoothing it evenly.
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Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a saucepan, cook the chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch and cook until the mixture thickens, which will take about 5 minutes. Spoon this strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer.
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Make the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use a fork to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the strawberry layer.
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Bake & Serve: Bake the complete dessert for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set. Once done, let it cool completely and refrigerate for 2-3 hours before slicing into bars.
How to Serve Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Serve the bars chilled, directly from the refrigerator. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence. These bars look lovely on a dessert table and are perfect for sharing.
How to Store Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
To store leftover bars, cover them with plastic wrap or use an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap the bars well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can work in a pinch; just thaw and drain excess moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the cheesecake filling until combined; overmixing can add air, which might cause cracks while baking.
Variation
You can switch up the fruit topping with blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry medley for a different flavor. You could also add some chocolate chips to the crumble topping for a chocolatey twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Yes, you can use cookie crumbs like Oreo or vanilla wafers instead of graham cracker crumbs.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, they taste even better when chilled overnight.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?
A: You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for similar creaminess.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars! They are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it's at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp sour cream Can substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
For the strawberry topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- 0.25 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the crumble topping
- 0.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cups brown sugar
- 0.25 cups cold butter, cubed
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes and then remove it from the oven.
Cheesecake Layer
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and sour cream, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Pour this cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust, smoothing it evenly.
Strawberry Topping
- In a saucepan, cook the chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch and cook until the mixture thickens, which will take about 5 minutes.
- Spoon this strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Crumble Topping
- In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use a fork to mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the strawberry layer.
Bake & Serve
- Bake the complete dessert for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
- Let it cool completely and refrigerate for 2-3 hours before slicing into bars.
