Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that combines two of my favorite things: cheesecake and fresh strawberries. These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a delicious treat, these bars are sure to impress. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a tangy strawberry topping, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the classic combination of strawberries and cheesecake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and rewarding to make. These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are great for gatherings, potlucks, or as a special dessert for your loved ones. The bars can be sliced into neat squares, making them convenient for serving and enjoying. So, let’s dive into the recipe and create a mouthwatering dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Kitchen Equipment
Before we begin, let’s make sure we have all the necessary kitchen equipment ready:
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Pastry cutter or fingers
- Large bowl
- Wire rack
- Refrigerator for chilling
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Cheesecake:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling:
- 3 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
Oatmeal Crumble:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and finely diced
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Create a small well in the mixture.
- Pour the melted butter into the well and mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared baking pan and gently press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Filling
- While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set it aside.
Step 3: Creating the Strawberry Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Cook the mixture over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries start to burst and release their juice.
- In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir the mixture into the strawberry mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and resembles pie filling.
- Once thickened, remove the strawberry filling from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Making the Oatmeal Crumble
- In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, light brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and cold diced butter.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients together, squishing the cubes of butter and creating a coarse crumble. Set it aside.
Step 5: Assembling and Baking the Cheesecake Bars
- Pour the prepared cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
- Top the cheesecake mixture with the strawberry sauce, ensuring an even layer.
- Sprinkle the oatmeal crumble evenly over the strawberry filling.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake the cheesecake bars for 50 to 70 minutes, or until the top of the crumble turns golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let the bars cool for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow them to set.
- Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Slice the bars into squares and serve chilled.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them before cooking and adjust the cooking time slightly to allow for any additional moisture.
Q2: Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs for a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a different crust, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies, such as vanilla wafers or chocolate sandwich cookies.
Q3: How should I store the leftovers?
A: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Food and Drink Pairings
To enhance your enjoyment of these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, consider pairing them with the following:
- A cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Freshly brewed iced tea
Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for these heavenly Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to delight. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and make sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration. Happy baking!