Irresistible Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Crafting a delightful strawberry crumble cheesecake bars recipe brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Sweet berries dance through creamy layers of decadent dessert.

Crisp, buttery crumble adds incredible texture that makes each bite memorable.

Summer afternoons feel more special when you pull these stunning bars from the refrigerator.

Softened cream cheese blends perfectly with ripe strawberries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Why Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars Are a Delight

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combine the classic comfort of a crumble with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake for a showstopping treat that will impress family and friends.
• Customize with Seasonal Flair: Swap strawberries for other fresh fruits like blueberries or peaches to match the season and keep the recipe exciting throughout the year.
• Master a Multi-Layer Masterpiece: Learn to create a dessert with three distinct layers – buttery graham cracker crust, vibrant fruit filling, and silky cheesecake – that delivers complex flavors in every bite.
• No Fancy Techniques Required: This recipe uses simple mixing and baking methods, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels to create a professional-looking dessert without stress.

Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a delicious and crunchy foundation for the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich flavor.

• Fresh Strawberries: Provides a vibrant and fruity layer with natural sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the strawberry flavor and helps create a thick filling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry mixture and create a stable filling.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the cheesecake filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake layer.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and helps create a rich texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky smooth filling.
• Large Eggs: Helps bind the cheesecake filling and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base for the crumbly texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm and aromatic flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Helps create a crumbly and crisp texture.

How to Make Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Warm up your oven to 325F. Grab a medium bowl and mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything sticks together nicely. Press this mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pop it in the oven for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool down completely.

Step 2: Create Luscious Strawberry Sauce

• Sliced strawberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy sauce. Set aside and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Add sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until well blended. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until the filling is luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Develop Crunchy Crumble Topping

• Flour
• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse, bumpy crumbs.

Step 5: Layer and Bake the Masterpiece

Spread the cooled strawberry sauce evenly over the crust. Pour the cheesecake filling on top, creating a smooth layer. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously across the surface. Slide into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the cheesecake sets and the topping turns golden brown.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Slice into beautiful bars and indulge in your homemade dessert!

Pro Tips for Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Prevent Soggy Crust: Partially bake the graham cracker base before adding fillings to create a crisp, sturdy foundation that won't become mushy.
• Control Strawberry Moisture: Cook strawberry filling until it thickens to remove excess liquid, ensuring a concentrated fruit flavor and preventing watery layers.
• Smooth Cheesecake Technique: Bring cream cheese to room temperature and beat slowly to avoid incorporating air bubbles, which can cause cracking during baking.
• Perfect Crumble Texture: Use cold butter and work quickly when making the topping to create those delightful, crunchy crumb pieces that add amazing contrast.
• Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate bars overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set, resulting in cleaner slices and more intense taste profiles.

Variation Suggestions for Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Blueberry Blast Bars: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries for a vibrant berry variation. Adjust sugar levels to complement the blueberry's natural tartness.
• Gluten-Free Garden Bars: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure dietary safety.
• Vegan Velvet Bars: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Opt for plant-based butter in the crumble topping.
• Tropical Paradise Bars: Incorporate diced mango or passion fruit into the strawberry filling. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for an exotic flavor profile and added texture.

Pairing Ideas for Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Pair with Creamy Moscato: Select a sweet, light Moscato wine that complements the strawberry's fruity notes and balances the rich cheesecake's creaminess.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top each bar with a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the dessert's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Champagne Cocktail: Create a sparkling strawberry champagne cocktail with muddled fresh strawberries, adding elegance and a bubbly twist to the dessert experience.
• Accompany with Mint Tea: Brew a delicate mint tea that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake and provides a clean, refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Store the strawberry crumble cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire pan securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm a single bar briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the bar sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.
• Keep bars at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs for Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them completely before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?

The cheesecake should be set with a slight jiggle in the center and the crumble topping should be golden brown. A slight crack around the edges is normal.

• What if my crumble topping doesn't look like coarse crumbs?

Make sure your butter is very cold and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients. If it’s too smooth, refrigerate for 10 minutes before sprinkling.

Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to overnight (includes cooling and refrigeration)
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Luscious strawberry crumble cheesecake bars blend creamy indulgence with classic comfort. Crumbly streusel and sweet strawberry layers promise a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Strawberries and Cream:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Crust and Crumble:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy base by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 325F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool completely.
2. Create a vibrant strawberry compote by simmering sliced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat. Stir consistently until the mixture thickens and transforms into a glossy, deep red sauce. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, incorporating sour cream and heavy cream. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, then infuse with vanilla extract, ensuring a luxurious and creamy texture.
4. Develop a rustic crumble topping by blending flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Incorporate cold butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy breadcrumbs.
5. Layer the cooled strawberry compote evenly across the graham cracker crust, then carefully pour the cream cheese mixture on top. Generously sprinkle the crumble topping across the entire surface.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crumble and a slightly firm cheesecake center that jiggles minimally when gently shaken.
7. Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to set. Slice into elegant bars and serve chilled.

Notes

• Chill cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the filling.
• Prevent cracking by avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter and baking in a water bath for more even heat distribution.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, and use cornstarch carefully to maintain texture.

• Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 58–70 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 316 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 176 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg