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Delicious strawberry cheesecake bars topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery crust, silky cream cheese layer, and a juicy strawberry topping with a crumbly streusel, perfect for potlucks and weeknight baking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Measure by spooning into the cup and leveling for accuracy.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.
For the cream cheese filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened Use full-fat brick-style for the smoothest texture.
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs Add one at a time to avoid lumps.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
For the strawberry layer
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced Choose ripe, firm berries to avoid a watery topping.
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the streusel
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed Use cold butter to achieve a crumbly texture.

Method
 

Prepare and bake the crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting it overhang the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture holds together, then press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it just starts to set, then let it cool.
Make the cream cheese filling
  1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated, then pour over pre-baked crust.
Prep the strawberry layer
  1. In a small bowl, toss diced strawberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let sit for a few minutes, then spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Make and add the streusel
  1. Whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the strawberry layer.
Bake the assembled bars
  1. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F. The center should be just set and the top golden.
Cool, chill, and slice
  1. Allow to cool completely, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, then cut into squares.

Notes

These bars are perfect for make-ahead desserts. They store well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.