Go Back
Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumb Bars photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumb Bars

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumb Bars are irresistibly delicious with a buttery crumb crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 9 servings

Ingredients

For the Crumb Crust and Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer

  • 1 package cream cheese 8 oz, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

For the Strawberry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Crumb Crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
  • Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased 8x8-inch baking pan to form the base crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and set. Remove from oven and set aside.

Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and continue beating until fully incorporated.
  • Spread this mixture evenly over the partially baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

  • In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices released during baking, and the lemon juice brightens the flavor.
  • Spread the strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Add the Crumb Topping

  • Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. Press lightly to help it adhere but don’t compact it too much.

Bake and Cool

  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the cream cheese layer is set. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a cooling rack.
  • For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. This helps the layers firm up and makes cutting easier.

Equipment

  • Baking pan (8x8 inches)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Cooling rack

Notes

  • Chill the bars well after baking to make slicing easier and prevent crumbling.
  • Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid.
  • Add nuts or spices to the crumb topping for festive variations.