Ingredients
For the crumble crust and topping:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the cream cheese layer:
- 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry filling:
- 1½ cups chopped strawberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crumble mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly.
- Form the base: Reserve ¾ cup of the crumble for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the base for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined. Spread the mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
- Prepare the strawberry filling: In another bowl, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss until the strawberries are well coated. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the reserved crumble evenly over the strawberries. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For best results, press the crust firmly so it holds together after baking.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
Refrigeration before slicing helps the layers set cleanly.
If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35