Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
These delightful Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries and a crunchy crumble topping, ideal for any occasion.
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.
Notes
For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.