Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer and a vibrant, fresh strawberry topping. Perfectly swirled for an eye-catching marbled effect, these bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a rich texture.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the crust and later the assembled bars.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt, stirring well to evenly coat crumbs with butter.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into a firm and even layer to serve as the base of your bars.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until fully combined.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and add them one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition until the filling is smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice, then heat over medium heat while stirring until the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency.
- Cool Strawberry Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the strawberry topping to cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust, then dollop the strawberry topping on top and gently swirl it through the cheesecake layer with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool Bars: Remove from oven and cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Chill Bars: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until fully chilled and set.
- Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy these rich, creamy, and fruity strawberry cheesecake bars.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling and to avoid lumps.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the topping.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake filling; it should be slightly jiggly in the center when done to ensure a creamy texture.
- Allow the bars to chill thoroughly for clean slices and proper set.
- The marbling can be adjusted to your liking by swirling more or less depending on your visual preference.
