Why Make This Recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful and healthier dessert option that can satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. This recipe combines fresh strawberries, creamy Greek yogurt, and cashews to create a luscious filling that is both delicious and nutritious. Plus, these bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1-2 Tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons tapioca starch
- 10 medium strawberries, tops removed
- 16 ounces strawberries, tops removed
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons tapioca starch
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- Mix in the honey and melted butter. Add 1 tablespoon of water or just enough until the dough comes together. If the mixture looks too dry, add 1-2 more teaspoons of water.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan until even.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, add all filling ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Taste and add more sweetener if desired.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, blend the 16 ounces of strawberries with honey and tapioca starch until mushy.
- Transfer the strawberry mixture to a pan on the stove and heat over medium/low heat until thick, about 8-10 minutes, whisking occasionally. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Once the bars are done, let them cool for 10 minutes. Pour the strawberry sauce on top and press on extra strawberries if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Slice into 16 bars and enjoy! Store in the fridge for best results.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Serve these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars chilled, right from the fridge. They make a great dessert option for picnics, parties, or casual family dinners. You can also top them with whipped cream or extra sliced strawberries for an added treat.
How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within a week, but can last up to a week in the fridge.
Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure your cashews are soaked in water for at least 2 hours before blending. This helps them blend smoothly.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some crushed nuts or granola on top before chilling them.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if you prefer a sweeter filling or sauce.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings like blueberries or raspberries for a new flavor twist. You could also use coconut cream instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
You can make these bars vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup and using a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Be sure to check that your butter is also dairy-free.
