Indulge in the delectable layers of these homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars, where each creamy and fruity layer gets better than the next. 

The fluffy cream cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of ripe strawberries, creating an irresistible dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Every layer comes from a trusted family recipe. From the buttery graham cracker crust to the luscious cheesecake, juicy strawberries and the final buttery crumble. You’ll win over your friends and family with these decadent bars!

I’m Lindsey, the founder of Elderberry Queen. The people in my life know that I’m obsessed with bars of any type (check out my homemade granola bars here) and cheesecake. Have you seen these delicious mini elderberry cheesecake? Oh lordy. They’re divine.

I love baking and I’m passionate about healthy foods (anddd eating them, haha). So, I combined the two: bars + cheesecake. Yes, please!

Genius, am I right?!

It took me less than 30 minutes to create this recipe, and you can see just how delicious they came out! I also ate more of them than I’d like to admit. But I created the recipe and baked them, so I get to eat as much as I want… right? I knew you’d see it my way.

Here’s the thing: I could NEVER keep anything this tasty to myself, so today, I’m sharing the recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love These

Just in case you’re still on the fence, here are a few more reasons you’ll absolutely love these Strawberry Crumb Cheesecake Bars.

Alright, now I know you have to be all in on these delicious bars. So, let’s grab these ingredients and get one step closer to strawberry cheesecake heaven.

Ingredients for Strawberry Crumb Cheesecake Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip these up:

For the crust:

• ​​2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 crackers)
• 2 tablespoons coconut, maple or cane sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter 

For the cheesecake:

• 16 ounces (2-8oz packages) softened cream cheese
• ¾ cup cane sugar
• 1 large egg

For the strawberry filling:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries sliced (frozen works too)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup coconut, maple or cane sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons organic cornstarch

For the crumb topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup coconut, maple or cane sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold diced butter
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Grab your ingredients, and let’s get these bars in the oven, shall we?

How to Make Them

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make these divine Strawberry Crumb Cheesecake Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F. Then, line a 9-inch × 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside for later use. (I'm skipping the parchment paper step in these photos to show you the beautiful layers.)

2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar, stirring them together until well mixed. Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the crumb mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.

3. Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan, then gently press it into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 8 minutes.

4. While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake mixture. In another medium bowl, beat together the ingredients for the cheesecake until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

5. In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries and lemon juice. Cook them over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until the strawberries burst and release their juices.

6. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cornstarch. Then, stir this mixture into the strawberry mixture in the saucepan. Cook the combined mixture for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens and resembles pie filling. Once thickened, remove the strawberry mixture from the heat and set it aside.

7. Prepare the oatmeal crumble by combining oats, sugar, cinnamon, salt and nuts (optional) in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the oat mixture until it resembles small pebbles. I usually end up using my fingers for this part.

8. Pour the prepared cheesecake mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Then, spread the strawberry sauce over the cheesecake layer, ensuring even coverage.

9. Sprinkle the oatmeal crumble mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.

10. Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 50 to 70 minutes or until the top of the crumble turns golden brown.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 to 60 minutes.

After cooling, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and let them chill to set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Once chilled, slice the bars into nine squares and serve. Enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of these Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars!

Can I Freeze These?

Once prepared, you can definitely freeze these cheesecake bars. Begin by placing the pan of cheesecake bars in the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, remove them from the pan (if you haven't already) and wrap them individually in aluminum foil. Place the foil-wrapped bars into a freezer bag and seal it tightly.

These bars will maintain their quality for approximately two months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature and savor every delicious bite.

How to Store Cheesecake Bars

To store these delectable cheesecake bars, ensure they have cooled completely before handling. Once cooled, carefully transfer the bars to an airtight container. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. You could also wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a sealed container. 

Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain their freshness. For longer-term storage, freeze the bars following the instructions provided earlier. This will ensure they keep for approximately two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Wholesome Ingredients & Homemade Goodness

As you prepare to indulge in these delightful Strawberry Crumb Cheesecake Bars, remember that Elderberry Queen is about more than just delicious desserts. We’re all about embracing wholesome ingredients and sharing the joy of homemade goodness. 

With a passion for crafting natural products, I infuse my creations with love and care, just like these bars. In my recipe blog, I invite you to explore a world of healthy recipes, some with an elderberry twist, ensuring that every bite nourishes both body and soul. 

I’d love to personally welcome you to join my community and discover the endless possibilities of homemade delights. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out. If you don't want to miss out on my latest recipes and tips, be sure to subscribe to my email list to stay up-to-date with all the deliciousness coming your way.