Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

There’s something truly special about making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars during the springtime. As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, I find myself craving these sweet treats that perfectly capture the essence of the season. Imagine cutting into a rich, creamy cheesecake topped with vibrant strawberries; it’s a flavor explosion that brings joy to any gathering. Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a family dinner, these bars never fail to impress. I remember the first time I made them for a group of friends, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. The combination of the buttery crust, smooth filling, and fresh strawberries creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. My friends still ask for these bars at every get-together, and it’s become a staple in our spring celebrations. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, then Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the way to go!

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

The ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are simple, yet they work together to create something magical. The key players include the creamy cream cheese that makes the filling luscious, and the fresh strawberries that add a delightful sweetness and tang. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the overall flavor and texture of the bars, ensuring they’re a crowd favorite!

• 1½ cups (126g) graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole graham crackers): The base of our cheesecake bars, these crumbs provide a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and the filling, balancing flavors perfectly.
• ¾ cup (93.75g) all-purpose flour: Helps bind the crust together for a sturdy base that holds its shape.
• ¼ tsp (0.25 tsp) salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the cheesecake.
• ½ cup (113.5g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the crust.
• 24 ounces (680.39g) cream cheese, at room temperature: The star of this dessert, it creates a creamy and smooth filling.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling, making it irresistible.
• 3 eggs: Provides structure and helps the filling set properly.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake flavor.
• 6 ounces (170.1g) strawberries, hulled (about 1 heaping cup): Provides fresh, fruity flavor and vibrant color to the recipe.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: The second addition of sugar, used for the strawberry topping, enhancing its natural sweetness.
• 2 cups (460ml) sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the strawberry topping.
• 5 strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced: For garnish, these fresh strawberries add a final touch of beauty and flavor to each serving.

The Method for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. As you follow these steps, you’ll see how easy it is to create a stunning dessert. Let’s dive into the method of preparing these delicious bars step by step!

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This initial step sets the stage for perfect baking.
2. Make the crust. In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, flour, and salt until well combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is evenly moistened. You want a sandy texture that holds together when pressed.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid layer. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is fragrant and begins to brown around the edges. Allow it to cool completely before moving on to the filling.
4. For the filling, place the cream cheese and sugar into a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure every bit is blended.
5. With the food processor running, add the eggs, one at a time. Mix just until incorporated, which should take about 30 seconds total. Overmixing can cause the filling to crack, so just mix until smooth.
6. Add the vanilla and blend for an additional 10 seconds to combine everything. Now, pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven until the center is almost set but still jiggles slightly when you shake the pan—this should take about 45 minutes. It’s okay if it’s a little wobbly, as it will firm up while cooling.
8. To make the topping, clean the food processor bowl, then add the hulled strawberries and sugar. Process until you have a smooth puree, about 30 seconds. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry puree with the sour cream until mixed well.
9. When the cheesecake is out of the oven, pour the strawberry mixture over the top, gently spreading it to cover the cheesecake layer completely. This adds a lovely fruity layer to your bars.
10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is just set. Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours.
11. After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. This chilling time helps the flavors meld and ensures the cheesecake sets perfectly.
12. Finally, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the foil edges and cut it into squares. Garnish with the thinly sliced strawberries if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Helpful Notes about Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Here are some helpful notes to ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly. Whether you’re making these for the first time or are a seasoned pro, these tips will guide you along the way.

• Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent experience.
• Serving suggestion: Consider serving them with a side of whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries for garnish.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings such as blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist!

What to Serve Alongside Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

• Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a medley of fresh fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or mango for a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar adds a creamy, light touch that complements the dessert beautifully.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: These fruity bars pair well with cold drinks like iced tea or lemonade, perfect for a spring or summer gathering.
• Picnic Treat: Pack them for a picnic; they’re easy to transport and always a hit with friends and family.
• Perfect for Celebrations: These bars are ideal for birthday parties, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations, where a sweet touch is needed.
• Seasonal Pairings: In spring, serve with a light salad or as a dessert after grilled meats for a balanced meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors and textures that capture the essence of spring. Their creamy filling combined with fresh strawberries creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making them; your friends and family will be talking about these bars long after the last crumb is gone. Enjoy the journey of baking these delicious bars, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

The ultimate spring dessert, Strawberry Cheesecake Bars offer a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries in each delightful bite. This easy make-ahead treat is sure to impress at any gathering! Make these bars tonight and experience the joyful flavors of spring yourself.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 24 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole graham crackers)
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.75 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter melted
• 24 ounces Cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 cups Granulated sugar
• 3 units Eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 6 ounces Strawberries hulled (about 1 heaping cup)
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 cups Sour cream
• 5 units Strawberries hulled and thinly sliced

Equipment

• Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the crust. In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt until well combined. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir until everything is evenly moistened. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is fragrant and begins to brown around the edges. Allow it to cool completely before moving on to the filling.
4. For the filling, place the cream cheese and granulated sugar into a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure every bit is blended.
5. With the food processor running, add the eggs, one at a time. Mix just until incorporated, which should take about 30 seconds total.
6. Add the vanilla extract and blend for an additional 10 seconds to combine everything. Now, pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven until the center is almost set but still jiggles slightly when you shake the pan—this should take about 45 minutes.
8. To make the topping, clean the food processor bowl, then add the hulled strawberries and granulated sugar. Process until you have a smooth puree, about 30 seconds.
9. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry puree with the sour cream until mixed well.
10. When the cheesecake is out of the oven, pour the strawberry mixture over the top, gently spreading it to cover the cheesecake layer completely.
11. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is just set.
12. Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours.
13. After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
14. Finally, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the foil edges and cut it into squares. Garnish with the thinly sliced strawberries if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness.
• Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Tip 3: These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent experience.
• Tip 4: Consider serving them with a side of whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries for garnish.
• Tip 5: Feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings such as blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist!

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.