04/03/2026
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons melted salted butter
16 ounces softened cream cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake)
3 cups chopped strawberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for strawberry sauce)
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, finely diced
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper so you can lift the bars out easily later.
2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Make a little well in the center, pour in the 4 tablespoons melted salted butter, and mix until combined — mix until just combined so it holds together but isn’t greasy. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let it rest while you make the filling.
3. Make the cheesecake layer: In another bowl, beat together the 16 ounces softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix — you’ll want it just combined.
4. Make the strawberry sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the 3 cups chopped strawberries with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t worry if it looks runny at first — the fruit will break down. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, then stir that into the strawberry mixture and cook for 2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Make the crumble topping: In a bowl, mix 1 cup old fashioned oats, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and the 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (finely diced). Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.
6. Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Spoon the strawberry sauce over the cheesecake layer — you can spread it or leave pockets of sauce; either is delicious. Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly on top.
7. Bake: Bake for 50–70 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is mostly set. The center may still jiggle slightly — that’s okay, it will firm up as it cools.
8. Cool and chill: Let the bars cool in the pan for 30–60 minutes, then transfer to the fridge and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) before slicing. For clean slices, warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice between cuts.
Tip: These keep well in the fridge for a few days if covered. Enjoy — you’ll love how the tart strawberry layer plays with the creamy cheesecake and crunchy crumble.