Description

These strawberry cheesecake crumb bars feature a buttery crumb crust, tangy cheesecake layer, and fresh strawberry filling, making a simple yet indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (about 300g) fresh strawberries, chopped
½ cup (160g) strawberry jam
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and blend with fingers or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
Set aside about 1 ½ cups of crumb mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until silky and lump-free. Spread evenly over chilled crust.
In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and strawberries soften but retain some shape, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Gently spoon the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle reserved crumb topping evenly over strawberry layer without pressing down. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35-40 minutes until top is golden and cheesecake layer is set but slightly jiggly.
Remove from oven and cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
Use a sharp knife wiped with a warm, damp towel between cuts to slice into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use cold butter for crumbly topping. Chill crust before adding filling to prevent sogginess. Beat cream cheese just until smooth to avoid cracks. Cook strawberry filling gently to maintain texture. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Bars taste better after chilling overnight. For prettier top, sprinkle coarse sugar before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 120
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake bars, crumb bars, easy dessert, quick dessert, cream cheese dessert, strawberry dessert, homemade bars