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Directions
Step 1: Make the Golden Oreo Crust
- Prepare the crust: Begin by crushing the Golden Oreos into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a food processor or putting them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Aim for small, even crumbs—this will help the crust set properly.
- Mix the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated in the butter.
- Press into pan: Line a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Then, press the Golden Oreo mixture into the bottom of the pan, ensuring it’s packed tightly and evenly. Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to compact the crust.
- Chill the crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the cheesecake filling to allow it to firm up.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for a faster, smoother result.
- Add the sour cream and sugar: Mix in the sour cream and granulated sugar until well combined. The sour cream adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang to the cheesecake.
- Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract, and if you’re using heavy cream, add that as well. The heavy cream adds richness, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter filling.
- Pour the filling: Remove the Oreo crust from the fridge and pour the cheesecake filling over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake the cheesecake bars for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. After they’ve cooled, transfer them to the fridge and chill for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling ensures that the bars firm up and are easier to cut into neat squares.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping
- Prepare the strawberries: While the cheesecake bars are chilling, make the strawberry topping. Place the chopped strawberries in a medium saucepan and stir in the sugar and lemon juice (if using).
- Cook the strawberries: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to release their juice and soften—about 5-7 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to create a slurry. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cool the topping: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the strawberry topping cool to room temperature. This will thicken it slightly and prevent it from melting the cheesecake when added.
Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars
- Top with strawberries: Once the cheesecake bars have chilled and firmed up, evenly spread the cooled strawberry topping over the top. If desired, you can slice some fresh strawberries and arrange them in a decorative pattern over the cheesecake for extra color and texture.
- Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into squares. Serve them cold, straight from the fridge. For added indulgence, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed Golden Oreos for a bit of extra crunch.
Tips for Perfect Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese
To achieve the smoothest, lump-free cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy texture that’s hard to smooth out.
2. Avoid Overbaking
The cheesecake bars should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven. Overbaking can cause the filling to dry out and crack. It’s better to underbake slightly and let the bars firm up in the fridge.
3. Let the Cheesecake Chill
For the best texture, be sure to chill the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the filling to firm up and makes them easier to slice.
4. Use Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries give the topping a vibrant color and fresh flavor. If you don’t have fresh strawberries available, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking.
5. Customize the Topping
While strawberries are a classic pairing with cheesecake, you can easily swap them out for other fruits if you prefer. Blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple would all work beautifully with this cheesecake base.
Why You’ll Love Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
1. The Perfect Blend of Crunch and Creaminess
The buttery Golden Oreo crust provides the perfect contrast to the creamy, smooth cheesecake filling, while the sweet, fruity strawberry topping adds a refreshing burst of flavor. It’s the perfect textural combination in every bite.
2. A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
These cheesecake bars are always a hit at parties, family gatherings, and holiday events. They’re visually stunning and easy to serve, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.
3. No-Bake Option
If you’re short on time or don’t want to turn on the oven, you can make a no-bake version of these bars by skipping the baking step and simply chilling the cheesecake filling in the crust. The no-bake method still yields deliciously creamy bars!
4. Make-Ahead Convenience
These cheesecake bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them a convenient dessert for busy schedules or last-minute parties. The flavors develop beautifully as they chill, and they can be served straight from the fridge.
Conclusion
Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a showstopper of a dessert—deliciously creamy, perfectly balanced with sweet and tart strawberry topping, and with the added crunch of Golden Oreos. They combine all the best elements of a cheesecake into easy-to-serve, bite-sized squares that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, preparing a sweet treat for a family gathering, or simply indulging in something special, these bars will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation, this dessert is as easy to make as it is impressive. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to wow your friends and family with these delightful Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!
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