Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla-infused cheesecake filling, and a vibrant, sweet-tart strawberry topping swirled throughout. Perfectly baked for a satisfying texture and chilled to set, these bars make a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Strawberry Topping
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake your crust and bars evenly.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt, stirring until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture is uniform.
- Form Crust Layer: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create your crust base.
- Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, continuing to beat until fully combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Crack eggs into a small bowl then add one at a time to the mixture, beating well after each addition until the filling is completely smooth.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
- Cool Strawberry Mixture: Remove from heat and allow the strawberry topping to cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the smooth cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust. Dollop strawberry topping over the filling and swirl gently with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bars: Return the assembled dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled and set.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve these refreshing, creamy, and fruity cheesecake crumb bars.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overbake the bars; the center should be slightly jiggly to ensure creamy texture.
- Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours is essential for proper setting and easy slicing.
- Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the topping.
- Graham cracker crumbs can be homemade by crushing crackers in a food processor or by hand in a sealed bag.
