Gluten-free strawberry cheesecake bars

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Here’s a Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with berry flavor — perfect for spring and summer treats!

🍓 Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

✅ Gluten-Free | Make-Ahead Friendly | Crowd-Pleaser

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs (or GF digestive biscuits)

  • ¼ cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Swirl:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries

  • 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:

  • In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sweetener, and lemon juice.

  • Cook over medium heat until berries break down and become syrupy (8–10 mins).

  • Blend or mash until smooth. Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry (½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) and simmer for 2 more mins to thicken.

  • Cool completely.

2. Make the Crust:

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.

  • Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.

  • Press into the bottom of the pan to form a compact crust.

  • Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

  • Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until fluffy.

  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.

  • Stir in sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Don’t overmix.

4. Assemble:

  • Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.

  • Dollop spoonfuls of strawberry sauce on top and swirl with a toothpick or knife.

5. Bake:

  • Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is just set.

  • Turn off oven, crack the door, and let bars cool in the oven for 15 minutes to prevent cracking.

6. Chill & Serve:

  • Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

  • Slice into bars and enjoy chilled.

🌟 Tips:

  • Want a nutty crust? Use crushed GF almond cookies or add ¼ cup almond flour.

  • Swirl leftover strawberry sauce on top before serving.

  • These bars freeze beautifully for up to 1 month.

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