Hey there! If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a summer day sitting with friends, I have the perfect recipe for you—Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bars with a Buttery Crumble! These bars are not only delicious, but they’re also super easy to whip up. I love the creamy cheesecake layer balanced perfectly with that crunchy, buttery topping. Trust me, when you serve these at your next gathering, you might just steal the show!
Nutritional Benefits of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bars
Now, let’s talk about how you can enjoy this treat while keeping it somewhat balanced! Strawberries are a fantastic source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which helps keep our immune system healthy. They’re also packed with antioxidants that are great for skin health. By incorporating strawberries into this cheesecake, you’re adding some fruity goodness to a generally indulgent dessert!
Adaptable Variations You Can Try
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond or coconut flour in the crumble to make it gluten-free without compromising taste!
- No-Cook Version: If you’re in a hurry, try using store-bought cheesecake filling instead of making your own from scratch. It cuts down prep time significantly!
- Berry Medley: Mix in a variety of berries like blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries for a lovely burst of flavor and color.
Delicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries to the cream cheese mixture and set aside.
- For the crumble, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using) in another bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a crust.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust, then top with the remaining crumble mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Allow cooling completely before cutting into bars.
Practical & Valuable Tips
- For that perfect cutting, I recommend chilling the cheesecake bars in the fridge for a couple of hours before slicing. It makes them easier to handle!
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
- These bars also freeze well. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Perfect for those unexpected guests!
Join the Sweet Buzz!
I can’t wait for you to try these Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bars! Once you do, let me know how it went—share your thoughts and maybe even a picture! Explore more of my delightful recipes on Pinterest, where I share tips and tricks to make your cooking fun and enjoyable. Happy baking!