Description

These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy strawberry-infused cheesecake filling, and a sweet, crunchy strawberry cereal topping for a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Baked to perfection and chilled for the ideal texture, these bars offer a refreshing twist on classic cheesecake with fresh strawberries and a crispy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

16 oz cream cheese (two 8 oz packages), softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Strawberry Crunch Topping

1 cup crushed strawberry-flavored cereal
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars later.
Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let cool while preparing the filling.
Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract; beat well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Blend in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth, then gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries.
Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Make Strawberry Crunch Topping: In a medium bowl, crush the strawberry-flavored cereal into small pieces. Mix with melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and flour until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cheesecake filling.
Bake and Cool: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the cheesecake sets and edges turn lightly golden. Turn off the oven and leave the bars inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars and serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps in the filling.
Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cheesecake filling to avoid mixing layers.
The resting period in the cooling oven helps prevent cracking by cooling the cheesecake gradually.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture inside the filling.
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 58 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bars, strawberry cheesecake, cheesecake bars, dessert bars, baked cheesecake, strawberry dessert, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake recipe