If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delightful and easy to make, these Strawberry Almond Cheesecake Bars are just what you need. They combine the nutty crunch of almonds, the sweet tanginess of strawberries, and the creamy richness of cheesecake, all in a perfectly balanced bar. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or just because, these bars are sure to impress.
Why Make Strawberry Almond Bars?
Strawberry Almond Bars have the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The almond crust provides a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the chewy strawberry filling. On top, the rich cream cheese topping adds a creamy finish with a touch of nuttiness from the sliced almonds. These bars are perfect for serving at holiday parties, brunches, or just as a treat for family and friends.
What makes these bars special is their three-layer structure:
- A nutty almond crust that’s buttery and crunchy.
- A sweet and fruity strawberry filling that complements the crust.
- A creamy cheesecake topping, finished with toasted almond slices for added texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Strawberry Almond Bars, you’ll need some basic ingredients. The recipe is divided into three parts: the almond crust, the strawberry filling, and the cheesecake topping. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ground almonds
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup strawberry preserves
The Cheesecake Topping:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Why These Ingredients Matter:
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. It adds richness to the crust and helps hold it together.
- Ground Almonds: These give the crust its signature nutty flavor and a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the smooth cheesecake topping.
- Strawberry Preserves: The star of the filling, strawberry preserves add a sweet, fruity layer that balances out the richness of the other components.
- Cream Cheese: This is the key to the creamy topping. Full-fat cream cheese gives the topping its rich, smooth texture, making the bars indulgent and delicious.
- Almond Extract: This brings out the flavor of the almonds and adds an extra layer of nuttiness to the cheesecake topping.
- Sliced Almonds: These add a bit of crunch and visual appeal to the finished bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Strawberry Almond Bars is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your bars come out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Make the Almond Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, flour, and ground almonds.
- Mix the ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the crumbly dough into the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread to form the base.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
Pro Tip: If the dough sticks to your hands while pressing it into the pan, lightly dampen your fingers with water or use a piece of parchment paper to press the dough evenly.
Step 2: Add the Strawberry Filling
- Once the crust has baked and cooled slightly, spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the crust.
- Be careful to avoid spreading the preserves too close to the edges, as they can burn during baking.
Tip: If you prefer, you can use homemade strawberry jam for a fresher, more intense flavor. You can also experiment with different fruit preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, for a fun variation.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Topping
- In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the cheesecake mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip, or simply use a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off.
- Pipe diagonal lines of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry preserves, creating a decorative crisscross pattern.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the bars.
Tip: If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a spoon to drizzle the cheesecake mixture over the filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect—the bars will still taste delicious!
Step 4: Bake and Cool
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecake topping is lightly browned and the almonds are toasted.
- Once the bars are baked, allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Pro Tip: For clean, sharp cuts, use a plastic knife or a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. This helps prevent the cheesecake topping from sticking to the knife.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about Strawberry Almond Bars is how versatile they are. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few popular variations:
Raspberry Almond Bars
If you’re a fan of raspberries, try using raspberry preserves instead of strawberry. The tartness of the raspberries adds a lovely contrast to the sweet almond crust and creamy cheesecake topping.
Gluten-Free Almond Bars
To make a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. The ground almonds in the crust already provide a nutty base, so the texture remains delicious.
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
If you prefer blueberries, you can easily swap out the strawberry preserves for blueberry jam. Blueberries and almonds are a classic combination, and the result is a rich, fruity dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Vegan Strawberry Almond Bars
To make a dairy-free or vegan version of this recipe, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to make the topping. The bars will still have that delicious almond flavor and fruity filling, but they’ll be suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
While these bars are undeniably a treat, they also contain some ingredients that offer nutritional benefits.
Almonds: A Nutrient Powerhouse
Almonds are packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your diet. They’re rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. Incorporating almonds into your baking not only adds flavor and texture but also boosts the nutritional value of your dessert. For more information on the health benefits of almonds, check out this Healthline article.
Strawberries: Antioxidant-Rich Berries
Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. They’re particularly high in vitamin C, which supports your immune system and promotes healthy skin. Strawberries also provide a good source of fiber and are low in calories, making them a guilt-free addition to these bars. You can learn more about the nutritional benefits of strawberries on the USDA’s website.
Cream Cheese: The Creamy Essential
Although cream cheese is an indulgent ingredient, it does contain some beneficial nutrients, including protein and calcium. When used in moderation, cream cheese can be part of a balanced diet. For more details on its nutritional value, check out Livestrong’s article on cream cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Should I Store Strawberry Almond Bars?
To keep your Strawberry Almond Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to make them ahead of time or store leftovers for later, you can also freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I Freeze These Bars?
Yes, Strawberry Almond Bars freeze very well. To freeze, make sure the bars are completely cooled before wrapping them in plastic wrap. For added protection, wrap them in a layer of aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I Use Other Types of Fruit Preserves?
Absolutely! While strawberry preserves are classic, you can use any type of fruit preserves that you like. Raspberry, blueberry, and apricot preserves are all delicious options. You can even mix and match different flavors to create your own unique version of this recipe.
How Can I Make the Recipe Healthier?
If you’re looking to make these bars a little healthier, here are a few options:
- Use a lower-sugar jam or make your own preserves with less added sugar.
- Substitute some of the butter with coconut oil for a healthier fat option.
- Use almond flour or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content.
Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Almond Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other dishes and drinks.
Serve with Tea or Coffee
The nutty, fruity flavors of the bars make them the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them at your next brunch or afternoon tea for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Add Fresh Fruit on the Side
For an extra burst of freshness, serve your Strawberry Almond Bars with a side of fresh berries. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries complement the flavors of the bars beautifully.
Top with Whipped Cream
The creaminess of the whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the crunchy almond crust and fruity filling.
Conclusion
Strawberry Almond Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their crunchy almond crust, sweet strawberry filling, and rich cheesecake topping, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Feel free to get creative with the recipe—try out different fruit preserves, add your own toppings, or even make a gluten-free version. Whatever you do, you’re sure to enjoy every bite of these tasty bars. Happy baking!