Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars That Will Delight Your Taste Buds
If you’re looking for a delicious treat that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, then these Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars are just what you need! Ideal for any occasion, these crumb bars are not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of a buttery crumb crust with a rich cheesecake filling and a layer of fruity strawberry goodness makes them a hit at picnics, family gatherings, or just because!
What Goes Into This Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
You’ll want to have these ingredients ready before you get started on these delightful bars:
- 2 cups flour (240g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (100g)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup melted salted butter (115g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 block cream cheese (250g), softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake filling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30g)
- 1 large egg (for cheesecake filling)
- 2 cups chopped strawberries (about 300g)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup white sugar (50g)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
Follow these easy steps to create your very own Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix well.
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Add the 1/2 cup of melted salted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything until you have a moist crumbly mixture.
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In another bowl, blend together 1 block of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 large egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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For the strawberry layer, combine 2 cups of chopped strawberries, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1/4 cup of white sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
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Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
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Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crumb base.
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Top with the strawberry mixture, making sure to discard any excess liquid.
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Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the strawberries.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
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Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
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Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Why Everyone Is Loving This Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
These Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars are trending right now because they combine the freshness of strawberries with creamy cheesecake, making them a perfect spring or summer dessert. With fresh strawberries in season, there’s no better time to whip up this delightful treat! Plus, they’re a fantastic make-ahead option for gatherings, ensuring you can wow your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Best Ways to Serve It
These crumb bars are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a sweet snack, a delightful dessert after dinner, or even as a breakfast treat with your coffee! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert or serve them alongside whipped cream for a lighter touch. You could also add a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or some fresh mint leaves for an added burst of flavor.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Storage: Keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Flavor Variations: You can switch up the berries based on what’s in season or what you prefer! Raspberries or blueberries would work beautifully here.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your bars.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The bars should have a golden brown top and the cheesecake should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the middle. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Give these Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars a try and bring a smile to your family’s faces! Enjoy this sweet treat at home, and share the love.
Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
Delightful dessert bars with a buttery crumb crust, rich cheesecake filling, and a fruity strawberry topping. Perfect for any occasion and easy to make.
For the crust
- 2 cups flour (240g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (100g)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup melted salted butter (115g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cheesecake filling
- 1 block cream cheese (250g), softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake filling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30g)
- 1 large egg (for cheesecake filling)
For the strawberry layer
- 2 cups chopped strawberries (about 300g)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup white sugar (50g)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix well.
- Add the 1/2 cup of melted salted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything until you have a moist crumbly mixture.
- In another bowl, blend together 1 block of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 large egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- For the strawberry layer, combine 2 cups of chopped strawberries, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1/4 cup of white sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Assembly
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crumb base.
- Top with the strawberry mixture, making sure to discard any excess liquid.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the strawberries.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can switch up the berries based on what’s in season or what you prefer. Raspberries or blueberries would also work beautifully.
