Description
Sweet, creamy, and delightfully crunchy, these Strawberry Crunch Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese, and a luscious strawberry topping finished with a golden crumb, this dessert is easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re searching for a quick breakfast treat, easy dessert idea, or healthy-ish snack bar to prep ahead, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s a perfect addition to your rotation of breakfast ideas, easy recipe options, and dessert food ideas.
Ingredients
1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/3 cup sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Spread evenly over the crust.
4. Spoon strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer. Swirl lightly with a knife or toothpick.
5. In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter. Blend with fingers or pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the strawberry layer.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until topping is golden and center slightly jiggles. Cool completely in the pan.
7. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to set. Slice with a warm knife for clean edges.
Notes
Always let the bars chill fully before slicing for the best shape and structure.
Use a warm, clean knife for each cut to get sharp, bakery-style edges.
If using frozen strawberries or jam, make sure they’re well-drained to prevent soggy layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg