Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tart flavors of fresh strawberries. The graham cracker crust adds a crunchy base, while the oatmeal crumble on top provides a delightful texture contrast.

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Cheesecake:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling:

• 3 cups chopped strawberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ tablespoons cornstarch

Oatmeal Crumble:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and finely diced

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Make a small well in the center, pour in the melted butter, and mix until evenly combined.
• Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 8 minutes.

1. Make the Cheesecake Layer:

• While the crust is baking, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

• In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the strawberries are soft and juicy.
• In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the strawberries and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and resembles pie filling. Remove from heat.

1. Make the Oatmeal Crumble:

• In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold, diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble.

1. Assemble the Bars:

• Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and spread it out evenly.
• Spoon the strawberry filling over the cheesecake layer.
• Sprinkle the oatmeal crumble over the strawberry layer.

1. Bake and Cool:

• Bake the assembled bars for 50 to 70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
• Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Transfer the bars to the refrigerator to cool completely for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

1. Serve:

• Once fully chilled, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious strawberry cheesecake bars!

Tips:

• Smooth Cheesecake: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.
• Even Layers: Spread each layer evenly to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
• Cooling Time: Allow ample time for the bars to cool and set in the refrigerator; this ensures they hold together well when sliced.
• Customization: Feel free to add a touch of lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Enjoy these bars as a delicious treat at your next gathering, and watch them disappear quickly!