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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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