Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and fresh, sweet strawberries, all served in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and velvety cheesecake filling, and a gorgeous layer of strawberry topping, these bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers, crushed)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 packages (16 oz) cream cheese, softened (about 450g)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker topping)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon to compact it.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown and slightly firm. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream (if using). Then, add the flour and mix until everything is smooth and combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake the Cheesecake Bars:
- Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Turn off the oven and let the bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour to prevent cracking. Afterward, remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- While the cheesecake bars are chilling, make the strawberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the strawberries release their juices and the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
- If you want a thicker topping, dissolve the cornstarch in the water and add it to the saucepan. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let the strawberry topping cool to room temperature before spreading it on the cheesecake bars.
5. Assemble and Serve:
- Once the cheesecake bars are fully set and chilled, remove them from the fridge and top them with the prepared strawberry topping.
- Slice the cheesecake into bars and serve chilled.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Other Berries: If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to substitute with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.
- Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.
- Add a Zesty Twist: Mix a bit of orange zest or lemon zest into the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- No-Bake Option: To make these bars a no-bake dessert, you can skip baking the crust and simply chill the crust and filling for a few hours to set. You may need to chill the bars longer to fully firm up.
- Add Whipped Cream: For extra indulgence, top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:
- Deliciously Creamy: The cheesecake filling is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced with the sweet and tangy strawberry topping.
- Easy to Serve: These bars are an easy and elegant way to serve cheesecake to a crowd—no need for a fork and knife!
- Fresh & Fruity: The fresh strawberry topping adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich cheesecake.
- Make-Ahead: These bars are perfect for preparing ahead of time. Just refrigerate and enjoy when ready!
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are sure to become a favorite treat, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, going to a potluck, or simply want a refreshing and indulgent dessert.
