These Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, tart flavor of fresh strawberries. Topped with a delicious crumble, this treat is sure to impress at any gathering. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth cheesecake filling, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour over the crust.
- In another bowl, combine strawberries, flour, oats, brown sugar, and softened butter. Sprinkle over the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until set. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Berry Mix: Substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry crumble.
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars after baking to add a rich layer of flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a hint of citrus flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: These bars are best served chilled, but if you prefer, you can reheat them slightly in the microwave for a warm treat.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the crumble to prevent excess moisture.
- Can I make the crust ahead of time? Yes, the graham cracker crust can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to assemble.
- Can I substitute the oats in the crumble? Yes, you can substitute the oats with additional flour or a mixture of flour and chopped nuts if you prefer a different texture.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of the cheesecake bars.
- What can I use if I don’t have graham crackers? You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or even cookies like vanilla wafers.
- Can I add more fruit to the topping? Yes, you can add more fruit to the topping, such as blueberries or sliced bananas, for a more colorful and fruity variation.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free to make this dessert gluten-free.
- How can I make these bars less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling and crumble topping if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Can I freeze these cheesecake bars? Yes, these bars freeze well. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in place of cream cheese? While cream cheese is ideal for its texture and flavor, mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute for a slightly different taste.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, fresh fruit, and a sweet, buttery crumble topping. With their easy preparation and customizable variations, they make for an excellent dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon treat, these bars are sure to be a hit.