Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars: Your Go-To Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Welcome to peak strawberry season! There’s simply nothing quite like the burst of flavor from fresh, ripe strawberries. As the fields are overflowing with these ruby-red gems, my kitchen transforms into a haven for all things strawberry. From pies and cakes to ice cream and jellies, the possibilities are endless, and honestly, I want to make them all!

After a joyful visit to the strawberry patch, where at least a pound of berries vanished “straight from the field” into happy mouths, I dove into a baking frenzy. Our first haul inspired three delightful desserts: a comforting Strawberry Cobbler (which I’ll share with you soon!), a luscious homemade Strawberry Ice Cream, and, of course, these incredible Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars. Oh, and let’s not forget the amazing Strawberry Syrup I whipped up for French Toast – a true breakfast treat!

These Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars were undoubtedly at the very top of my must-make list. Why? Because they bring together three of my absolute favorite things: the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake, the comforting, sweet texture of a crumb bar, and the unparalleled sweetness of fresh, sun-kissed strawberries. The combination is simply divine. Let’s just say, they disappeared from the cooling rack almost as quickly as they were made. They are truly that irresistible!

Why These Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars Are a Must-Try

These bars aren’t just delicious; they’re also wonderfully versatile and surprisingly easy to make. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection:

The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

Sweet Crumbly Layers: The base and topping are made from a buttery, sweet crumb mixture that provides a delightful texture contrast to the creamy filling. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!
Creamy Cheesecake Center: A luscious, tangy cheesecake layer perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the crumb. It’s light yet rich, providing that classic cheesecake indulgence.
Fresh Strawberry Burst: Juicy, vibrant strawberries are layered in the middle, offering a natural sweetness and a refreshing burst of fruit flavor that sings of summer.

Customize Your Crumb Bar Creation

One of the truly great aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust it to suit your personal tastes and preferences. For those who can’t get enough of that creamy, dreamy cheesecake, feel free to double that part of the recipe for an extra thick and decadent center. Craving more of those irresistible fresh strawberries? Go ahead and pile them on! This bar is wonderfully sturdy, capable of holding a little extra goodness on the inside without losing its structural integrity. You could even experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.

That Irresistible Crumb Topping

Let’s talk about the crumb topping for a moment. It’s not just an afterthought; it’s a star in its own right! Golden, buttery, and slightly sweet, this crumbly layer adds a fantastic textural element that makes every bite an experience. You’ll find yourself trying to get every last crumb off your plate, trust me. It’s the perfect finish to this delightful dessert, providing that comforting, homemade touch that makes these bars so special.

Connect with Chocolate Chocolate and More!

Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Pinterest | instagram

Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crumb Mixture (Crust & Topping):

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter, cubed
1 large egg, beaten

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Crumb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor until crumbly. Stir in the beaten egg until just combined.
Form the Crust: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Press 2/3 of the prepared crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the base crust. Reserve the remaining 1/3 of the crumb mixture for the topping.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and 2/3 cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and completely free of lumps.
Assemble the Layers: Gently and evenly spread the creamy cheesecake mixture over the bottom crumb crust. Next, arrange the sliced fresh strawberries in a single, even layer over the cream cheese filling. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the crumb mixture evenly over the strawberries to create the top crumb layer.
Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bars for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top crumb layer is golden brown and the cheesecake filling appears set.
Cool and Store: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. Cooling thoroughly is essential for clean slices and a set cheesecake. Store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes & Tips

Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly.

Choosing Strawberries: Always opt for fresh, ripe, and sweet strawberries. If using frozen, thaw them and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy filling.

Even Layers: Spreading the cheesecake mixture and strawberries evenly will ensure each bar has a perfect balance of all the delicious components.

Cooling Patience: Resist the urge to cut into the bars too soon! Cooling completely allows the cheesecake to set and the bars to firm up, making them much easier to slice neatly.

Customize It: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheesecake or strawberries to your liking. A little extra of either won’t hurt!

Recipe inspiration from ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram!

Craving More Delicious Bar Recipes?

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of dessert bars, you’re in luck! We have a fantastic collection of other bar recipes that are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat any day of the week. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile and irresistible charm.

Lemon Pie Bars

Seven Layer Magic Bars

S’mores Cereal Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Wicked Chocolate Caramel Bars

Still Can’t Get Enough Strawberries?

If your love for strawberries knows no bounds, then you absolutely must explore our extensive collection of strawberry recipes. From simple delights to decadent desserts, we’ve gathered 50 incredible ways to enjoy this beloved fruit. Whether you’re looking for another quick treat or something more elaborate, you’re sure to find your next favorite strawberry dish.

50 Strawberry Recipes

We hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars as much as we do. They truly embody the joy of baking with fresh, seasonal ingredients and are guaranteed to bring smiles all around!