When you think of delicious desserts that celebrate the sweetness of summer, Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars should come to mind. This delightful dessert combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with the fresh, fruity burst of strawberries, all wrapped in a buttery crumble. These bars are perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why We Love This Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars Recipe
There’s something magical about the harmony of flavors and textures in Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars. You will love the creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, the vibrant freshness of the strawberries, and the satisfying crunch of the crumble topping. Together, these components create a delectable dessert that is visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. These bars are not only simple to make but also a hit with both kids and adults alike. You’ll find that they are the perfect way to showcase fresh strawberries during peak season. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in so many hearts.
Ingredients about Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars
To whip up these delightful bars, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars Directions
Making Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars is a fun and straightforward process. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get a baking dish ready by greasing it lightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Once it’s ready, spread this luscious cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Now it’s time to create that irresistible crumble topping! In another bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Make sure to combine these dry ingredients well. Next, cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips for this step. The key is to incorporate the butter without melting it.
Once your crumb mixture is ready, sprinkle half of it over the smooth layer of cream cheese in the baking dish. Then, distribute the chopped strawberries evenly over this layer. Lastly, top the strawberries with the remaining crumb mixture, creating a perfect golden crust.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown. When the timer goes off, take the dessert out of the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. Patience is key, as this cooling time enhances the texture and flavor. Once cooled, simply slice it into squares and enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars
Serving Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars is as straightforward as making them. You can serve them at room temperature for a delightful treat any time of day or refrigerate them for a refreshing chilled option. If you want to elevate their presentation, consider dusting the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Fresh mint leaves can also add a touch of color and freshness. If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange the bars on a beautiful platter, and watch how they disappear quickly!
Expert Tips: Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars
When you’re making these bars, a few expert tips can help elevate your recipe. First, choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor. You want them to be sweet and slightly firm to hold up during baking. If fresh berries are not in this season, frozen strawberries can be a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using them.
Using cold butter is crucial for achieving the perfect crumble texture. It helps create that flaky and crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the cream cheese and strawberries. If you’re short on time, you can also prepare the crumble in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.
Lastly, feel free to experiment! If you enjoy other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, consider mixing them into the strawberries for a unique twist. Enjoy your baking!
How to Store Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars
To keep your Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars fresh and delicious, it’s important to store them properly. Once the bars have cooled completely, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, refrigerate them for up to a week.
For those who want to extend the shelf life even further, consider freezing the bars. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Variation of Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars
While the classic version of Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars is already amazing, there are plenty of variations to keep things interesting. You might want to switch out strawberries for other fruits like peaches or apples. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor and texture, making it an exciting new treat each time.
For a fun twist, consider adding a layer of chocolate chips or nuts into the crumble mixture. Chocolate and fruit are a match made in dessert heaven! Additionally, you can experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as cinnamon or lemon, to enhance the flavor further. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
FAQ
What are Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars?
Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars are a delicious dessert that combines a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese with fresh strawberries, all topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, oats, and butter.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The bars are done baking when the top is golden brown and the edges are set. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the top; it should feel firm and spring back slightly.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the recipe.
How long do these bars last?
When stored properly, Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars can last up to two days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze these crumble bars?
Absolutely! Once completely cooled, wrap the individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Are there any variations for this recipe?
Yes! You can switch out strawberries for other fruits like peaches or apples, add chocolate chips or nuts, or even use flavored cream cheese to create your version of the crumble bars.
Strawberries and Cream Cheese Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For the cream cheese layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Use at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1/2 cup sugar Granulated sugar preferred.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the crumble topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats Old-fashioned oats work best.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Packed brown sugar brings extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed Keep butter cold for ideal crumble texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the fruit layer
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped Choose ripe strawberries for best flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Distribute the chopped strawberries evenly over the crumb layer.
- Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing into squares.
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