Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any gathering! These delightful bars feature a creamy cheesecake filling layered with fresh strawberries on a buttery graham cracker crust. With their sweet and tangy flavor, they make an excellent choice for parties, picnics, or simply indulging at home. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors in every bite; they’re sure to impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Deliciously Creamy: The smooth cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the juicy strawberries for a burst of flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy family night, these bars fit right in.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in advance, allowing them to chill until you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate drizzle for an extra twist!
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your preparation goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×9-inch baking dish: Perfect size for baking these bars evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Hand mixer: Ensures the cream cheese mixture is smooth and creamy.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs, (about 10-12 crushed graham cracker sheets)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, (melted)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Strawberry Layer
- 2 cups (332 g) freshly diced strawberries
For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, (melted)
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper so that it extends up the sides.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl:
1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
2. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl:
1. Using a hand mixer, beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
2. Spread this cream cheese filling evenly over your crust.
Step 4: Add Strawberries
Top your cheesecake layer with freshly diced strawberries. Spread them out evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Stir in melted butter until you form a crumbly dough.
3. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the strawberries.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your assembled bars in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until set.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked:
1. Transfer the dish to a wire rack and let it cool completely for about one hour.
2. After cooling, refrigerate until chilled for another hour before serving.
Enjoy these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars! Perfectly sweetened with a delightful crunch from the crust and crumble topping!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars can be served with creative twists.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an extra creamy texture and sweetness.
A Side of Ice Cream
- Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a classic combination.
Garnished with Mint Leaves
- Top each bar with fresh mint leaves to add a refreshing touch and vibrant color.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Enhance the flavor by drizzling melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent finish.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Getting your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars just right can make all the difference. Here are some tips to ensure success:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allowing cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature helps them blend smoothly, ensuring a creamy filling.
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Don’t Overmix the Filling – Overmixing can introduce air which may cause cracks. Mix until just combined for perfect consistency.
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Cool Before Chilling – Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps maintain their structure.
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Line Your Pan Well – Using parchment paper makes it easy to lift out the bars after baking, preventing any sticky mess in the pan.
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Cut After Chilling – For clean slices, make sure to chill the bars fully before cutting them into squares.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Serving side dishes alongside Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Berries – A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds color and complements the cheesecake flavors beautifully.
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Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the bars and provide a light contrast.
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Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for a savory contrast to the sweet bars.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – Enhance your dessert table with chocolate-covered strawberries that echo the flavors of your cheesecake bars.
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Granola Parfait – Layer granola with yogurt and fresh fruit for a crunchy, creamy side that pairs well with cheesecake.
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Lemon Sorbet – The tartness of lemon sorbet provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich strawberry cheesecake.
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Coffee Cake – Serve alongside slices of coffee cake for an additional sweet treat that works well during brunch gatherings.
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Mini Tarts – Consider offering mini fruit tarts as another dessert option that contrasts nicely with the cheesecake texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
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Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold cream cheese and eggs can lead to a lumpy batter. Make sure to bring them to room temperature before mixing.
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Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in the cheesecake. Mix just until smooth for the best texture.
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Not Prepping the Baking Dish Properly: If you skip lining your baking dish with parchment paper, the bars may stick. Always line it for easy removal.
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Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars before they are fully cooled can result in a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely for clean slices.
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Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe strawberries can turn mushy during baking. Use fresh, firm strawberries for better texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to your bars.
How do I know when my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are done?
The edges should be set while the center may still have a slight jiggle. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I customize my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries or mix in chocolate chips for variety.
What is the best way to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
These bars are delicious served chilled straight from the fridge, or you can top them with whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. They are perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat any day. Feel free to customize them with your favorite fruits or toppings for variations that suit your taste!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries layered on a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making them ideal for any occasion—be it birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights at home. Each bite offers a sweet and tangy flavor that is sure to impress your guests. With their beautiful presentation and customizable toppings like chocolate drizzle or nuts, you can create a dessert that’s uniquely yours. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors in every delicious slice!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each, room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Top with diced strawberries evenly distributed across the cheesecake layer.
- For the crumble topping, whisk flour, brown sugar, and salt; stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over strawberries.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating for one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
