strawberry crunch cheesecake chunks

Featured in: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion

Creamy cheesecake chunks topped with luscious strawberry crunch and a bright homemade strawberry sauce deliver layers of texture and flavor. The base is a classic graham crust, supporting a smooth cream cheese center. Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries blend for a signature crispy crunch, while a silky white chocolate drizzle crowns each portion. Perfect served cold as bite-sized treats or elegant plated desserts, these chunks combine sweet tangy fruits, rich creamy filling, and irresistible crunch in every bite.

Tags: #halal #vegetarian #over-30-minutes #north-american #baked #dessert #family-friendly #kid-friendly #medium #summer

A woman in a chef's hat smiles for the camera.
By Sana Rose
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:23:49 GMT
A slice of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks is displayed on a plate. Pin it
A slice of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks is displayed on a plate. | recipebyme.com

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks are that sweet spot where creamy cheesecake meets childhood nostalgia. They deliver the best of all worlds—crispy buttery crumb, tangy filling, and bursts of strawberry, with just enough drama from a white chocolate finish.

I created this recipe as a riff on the classic ice cream bar and honestly it disappeared faster than any dessert I have made in months. I still remember the first bite at a summer picnic—everyone stopped talking and just groaned in delight. It is now my showstopper for any strawberry lover in my family.

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs: Bring that golden buttery base and set the stage for the creamy filling. Look for fresh, crunchy crackers.
  • Unsalted butter: Makes the crust rich and holds everything together. Choose high quality butter for best flavor.
  • Cream cheese: Forms the creamy heart of these bars. Always start with full fat blocks at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cheesecake and strawberry elements. Use pure cane sugar for cleaner taste.
  • Eggs: Give structure and richness. Select large eggs for consistent results.
  • Vanilla extract: Gives classic warmth; go for real vanilla whenever possible.
  • Golden Oreos: Provide a more buttery, creamy crunch in the topping. Look for cookies with a crisp snap.
  • Freeze dried strawberries: Add powerful real berry punch. Opt for bright red ones to maximize color and fruitiness. You can use strawberry gelatin if fresh are hard to find.
  • Fresh strawberries: Keep the sauce vibrant, sweet, and slightly tart. Ripe but firm berries work best.
  • Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness in the sauce and sharpens flavors. Use freshly squeezed for best zing.
  • White chocolate: Brings smooth, rich sweetness when drizzled. Pick bars with real cocoa butter for shine.

Instructions

Prep and Bake the Cheesecake Base:
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line a nine by thirteen inch dish with parchment for easy removal. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the texture feels like damp sand. Press gently and evenly into the dish using your fingers or flat bottomed cup. Bake for ten minutes. Remove and let cool completely, which ensures the crust sets.
Mix the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together. Use a hand or stand mixer and keep going until absolutely smooth. Add eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl each time. This keeps the texture satiny. Blend in the vanilla until incorporated.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the cream cheese batter over your cooled crust. Spread out with an offset spatula for an even layer. Bake for forty to forty five minutes. Watch for the edges to look set with the center still slightly jiggly. This prevents overbaking and keeps it creamy. Cool at room temperature then chill in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight.
Create the Strawberry Crunch:
Crush golden Oreos by pulsing in a food processor or sealing in a zip bag and rolling with a pin. Mix with freeze dried strawberries for a punchy berry color. Stir in melted butter. It should feel crumbly but clump together when squeezed. Set this aside.
Cook the Strawberry Sauce:
Dice fresh strawberries and add to a saucepan with sugar and lemon. Cook over medium heat. Stir often until berries are soft and glossy and the mixture looks syrupy, about seven minutes. Remove from the heat and cool fully for easy drizzling.
Slice and Decorate:
Once chilled, lift the baked cheesecake from the pan. Slice into generous chunks or bars. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges. Spoon strawberry sauce on top. Sprinkle each chunk with plenty of strawberry crunch. Drizzle melted white chocolate for a pretty finish.
Serve Cold:
Arrange the bars on a platter or serve as handheld bites. They stay freshest when served chilled.
A slice of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks with a strawberry on top.
A slice of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks with a strawberry on top. | recipebyme.com

I am obsessed with the strawberry crunch on top. It crackles with every bite and brings that familiar pink sweet note. My niece calls it strawberry magic dust and insists on licking the extra from the bowl whenever we make these together.

Storage Tips

These bars keep best in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavor is even better on day two. For longer storage, you can freeze the slices in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a bag. They defrost beautifully overnight in the fridge.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap golden Oreos with regular vanilla sandwich cookies or shortbread cookies for the crunch. Use a strawberry gelatin packet only if freeze dried berries are unavailable. For the cheesecake base, digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work well as alternatives to graham crackers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a full dessert. Try making the bars smaller for party platters and top each with a fresh strawberry slice. They also work beautifully as picnic treats since they travel well.

Cultural and Historical Context

Strawberry crunch desserts trace back to those nostalgic ice cream bars from childhood. The recipe draws on American cheesecake traditions and gives a playful, fruity twist. It is always a hit at birthdays and family gatherings.

Seasonal Adaptations

For late summer, try mixing in raspberry or blueberry to the sauce. In winter, freeze dried strawberries keep the flavor strong even when fresh berries fade. Swap white chocolate for dark in the holiday season.

Success Stories

I have made this recipe for school bake sales, family birthdays, and as a freezer treat to surprise guests. Every time someone new tries these, they ask for the recipe. That memory of my cousin taking three bars before anyone noticed still makes me laugh.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Cheesecake chunks freeze especially well. To freeze, cut bars, wrap individually in parchment, then seal in a freezer bag. They taste fresh and creamy after thawing with no compromise in texture.

A delicious dessert made with strawberries and crunchy toppings.
A delicious dessert made with strawberries and crunchy toppings. | recipebyme.com

These bars are a guaranteed hit for strawberry lovers. Enjoy every bite of creamy, crunchy, and sweet berry flavor!

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the cheesecake base creamy?

Softened cream cheese and eggs are blended until smooth, providing a rich and silky texture to the cheesecake chunks.

→ How do you get the signature strawberry crunch topping?

Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries are crushed together with melted butter, giving a sweet, crispy finish.

→ Can I use strawberry gelatin instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

Yes, strawberry gelatin adds both color and flavor if freeze-dried strawberries are unavailable.

→ How is the strawberry sauce made?

Fresh strawberries are simmered with sugar and lemon juice until thickened, creating a vibrant, fruity sauce.

→ What is the best way to serve these cheesecake chunks?

Chilled and topped with crunch and sauce, the chunks are perfect as finger treats or beautifully plated desserts.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, the cheesecake needs to cool and chill for several hours or overnight to ensure the best texture and flavor.

strawberry crunch cheesecake chunks

Chunks of creamy cheesecake with golden Oreo, strawberry crunch, and a generous drizzle of white chocolate.

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
55 min
Total Time
80 min
By Sana: Rose

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 cheesecake chunks)

Dietary Categories: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cheesecake Base

01 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 1 cup granulated sugar
05 3 large eggs
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberry Crunch

07 1 1/2 cups crushed golden Oreo cookies
08 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin mix
09 3 tablespoons melted butter

→ Strawberry Sauce

10 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
11 1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Decoration

13 Melted white chocolate for drizzling
14 Extra strawberry crunch for topping

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until evenly combined.

Step 04

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is mostly set with a slight wobble. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 05

In a medium bowl, combine crushed golden Oreo cookies, freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin mix, and melted butter. Mix until coated and set aside.

Step 06

Combine diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the strawberries soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Let cool before use.

Step 07

Remove chilled cheesecake from the pan and slice into individual chunks or bars. Arrange on a serving tray.

Step 08

Drizzle each cheesecake chunk with strawberry sauce and sprinkle generously with strawberry crunch. Drizzle with melted white chocolate. Top with extra strawberry crunch as desired.

Step 09

Serve the cheesecake chunks cold as a handheld treat or plated dessert.

Notes

  1. For clean-edged slices, chill the cheesecake overnight and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts.

Required Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains milk, eggs, and wheat. Golden Oreo cookies may contain soy. White chocolate may contain milk and soy.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 375
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 5 g