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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 111 reviews

These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a fresh strawberry topping with a buttery crumble. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tart flavors, this dessert is baked to a golden perfection and chilled for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs (about 12 crackers)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Strawberry Topping

  • 3 cups trimmed and chopped strawberries (about 1 quart)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumble Topping & Assembly

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Halved strawberries, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch by 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine finely ground graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
  3. Form and Bake Crust: Transfer the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly onto the bottom and slightly up the sides using the back of a spoon or measuring cup. Bake the crust for about 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
  4. Prepare Strawberry Topping: Toss the chopped strawberries with fresh lemon juice and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Set aside while preparing the filling.
  5. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract and continue to beat until creamy and well combined.
  6. Prepare Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until a crumbly dough forms.
  7. Assemble Bars: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust. Carefully dollop the strawberry topping over the cream cheese layer. Then, crumble the prepared crumble topping over the strawberry layer evenly using your hands.
  8. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven until the bars are puffed and just set in the center, about 35 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into squares and garnish each piece with a halved strawberry before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
  • You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice if needed, but fresh is preferred for better flavor.
  • Use parchment paper overhang to easily lift bars out without breaking.
  • Chilling the bars is important for clean slices and proper texture.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Strawberry cheesecake bars, strawberry dessert bars, cheesecake bars, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake dessert

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/strawberry-cheesecake-bars-recipe/