Description
These Strawberry Crunch Bars are a creamy, fruity, and crunchy dessert that tastes like strawberry cheesecake bars with a buttery crumb topping. This easy recipe is perfect for summer desserts, party food ideas, make-ahead treats, simple baking recipes, dessert bars, strawberry dessert ideas, and sweet snack ideas when you want something beautiful, chilled, and crowd-friendly.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup golden cookie crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar for the crust
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar for the filling
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
1/3 cup strawberry preserves
2 tablespoons granulated sugar for the topping
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 cup fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, golden cookie crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt until evenly moistened.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for topping, then press the remaining crumbs firmly into the pan.
4. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
5. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
6. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, then mix until combined.
7. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
8. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 28 to 34 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
10. Cool the bars at room temperature for 45 minutes.
11. In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, strawberry preserves, 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, and water.
12. Cook over medium heat until the strawberry topping is thick and glossy, then cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
13. Spread the strawberry topping over the cooled cream cheese layer.
14. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the strawberry topping.
15. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, then slice into bars and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese so the filling turns smooth without lumps.
Do not overbake the bars; the center should still have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven.
Chill the bars fully before slicing for clean edges and the best creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 245mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Strawberry Crunch Bars, strawberry cheesecake bars, easy dessert bars, strawberry dessert ideas, make-ahead dessert, summer desserts, party food ideas, sweet snack ideas