Description
These Best Strawberry Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, fresh diced strawberries, and a delicious crumbly topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, they make a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crushed graham cracker sheets)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Strawberries
- 2 cups (332 g) freshly diced strawberries
Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends up the sides for easy removal.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the room temperature cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble filling over crust: Pour and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed graham cracker crust in the baking dish.
- Add strawberries: Evenly distribute the freshly diced strawberries over the cheesecake layer, gently pressing them down without mixing.
- Make crumble topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Stir in melted butter until a crumbly dough forms.
- Top with crumble: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the diced strawberries, covering the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the crumble topping is golden brown.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Then transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least another hour to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
- Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling when cutting the bars.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- The bars are best served chilled to hold their shape.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
