Description
These Cheesecake Bars with Real Strawberry Filling are a delicious treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, vibrant homemade strawberry topping, and a crunchy oatmeal crumble. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 3 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Oatmeal Crumble Topping
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and finely diced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Create a small well in the center and pour in the melted butter. Stir together until evenly combined and the crumbs are well coated.
- Press and Bake Crust: Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared pan and press evenly to form a compact layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes to set the crust.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: While the crust bakes, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Cook Strawberry Filling: Add chopped strawberries and lemon juice to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until strawberries burst and juices begin to form.
- Thicken Strawberry Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix light brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the strawberries and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened to a pie-filling consistency. Remove from heat.
- Make Oatmeal Crumble: In a large bowl, combine oats, light brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until coarse crumbs form.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly. Spoon the strawberry sauce on top of the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the oatmeal crumble evenly over the strawberries.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the assembled bars for 50 to 70 minutes, until the crumble topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, allow the bars to chill overnight to fully set the cheesecake layer and strawberry filling.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, but thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
- The crumble topping can be customized with nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift the baked bars from the pan for neat slicing.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
