Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, fresh strawberry topping, and a golden crumble finish. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy flavors, these bars make a stunning dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Strawberry Layer
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, tops removed and chopped
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray. In a small mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted salted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add Greek yogurt and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Prepare the strawberry layer: In a large bowl, toss chopped fresh strawberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch until the berries are fully coated. Evenly spread this strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- Make the crumble topping: In a small bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, and melted salted butter until a crumbly texture forms. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns golden brown and the center jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 to 6 hours, or until fully set. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- For easier cutting, chill the cheesecake bars well before slicing.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, substitute sour cream for the Greek yogurt.
- You can line the baking dish with overhanging parchment paper to easily lift out the bars.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
