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Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
- Press into the Pan: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s packed down firmly.
- Bake: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Blend the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), maple syrup (or honey), eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Pour over the Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- Mix the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, honey or maple syrup (if using), and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the strawberries evenly.
- Chill: Let the strawberry mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to release some juices and enhance the flavor.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Top the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake bars are chilled and set, remove them from the refrigerator. Carefully lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and top each bar with the strawberry mixture.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, guilt-free dessert!
Tips for the Best Clean Eating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well; simply wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to a month.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, for the topping. You can also add a layer of fruit puree to the cheesecake filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the sweetness of the cheesecake filling and strawberry topping to your liking. Taste as you go to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Conclusion
Clean Eating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of indulgence and healthiness, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert without any guilt. With their creamy cheesecake base and fresh strawberry topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these wholesome cheesecake bars today—you won’t regret it!