Strawberry Cheesecake Bars (Printable)

Creamy cheesecake layers with fresh strawberries and buttery cinnamon streusel. Perfect for sharing and celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Layer

05 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup sour cream

→ Strawberry Topping

10 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Cinnamon Streusel

14 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
16 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
18 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

# Step-by-step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until fully incorporated. Press mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until fully incorporated. Pour over the baked crust and smooth the top.
04 - In a small bowl, toss strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Spoon evenly over the cheesecake layer.
05 - In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the strawberry layer.
06 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set and the streusel is golden brown. Cool completely in the pan.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing. Lift bars out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The streusel adds a cinnamon crunch that balances the creamy filling beautifully.
  • You can slice them into perfect squares without the fuss of a springform pan.
  • They travel well and taste even better after a night in the fridge.
02 -
  • Don't skip chilling the bars or they'll be too soft to slice neatly.
  • Cold butter is the secret to a crumbly streusel, warm butter will make it greasy.
  • Press the crust firmly into the corners so it doesn't crumble apart later.
03 -
  • Let the cream cheese come to true room temperature or you'll fight lumps no matter how long you beat it.
  • Line the pan so the parchment goes up all four sides, it makes lifting foolproof.
  • Chill overnight if you can, the flavors meld and the texture firms up beautifully.
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