Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, all sitting on a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for birthday parties, summer picnics, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The layers of flavors and textures make every bite a memorable experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of any level.
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries creates a deliciously balanced dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, these bars will impress your guests.
- Make Ahead Option – These bars can be prepared in advance and chilled, making them ideal for busy days.
- Customizable – Feel free to experiment with different fruits or toppings based on your preference.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×9-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish – A sturdy dish ensures even baking and easy serving of your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.
- Hand mixer – This tool helps achieve a smooth cream cheese filling without lumps.
- Parchment paper – Lining the dish makes it easy to remove the bars once they cool.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are dessert bars with a cheesecake filling layered fresh strawberries over a graham cracker crust and topped with a crumble topping. All three layers give you a sweet treat in every bite, perfect for any occasion!
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
- 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, allowing some paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine:
1. 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
2. 6 tablespoons melted butter
3. ¼ cup granulated sugar
Mix until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your lined baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together:
1. 2 packages cream cheese
2. 2 large eggs
3. ⅓ cup granulated sugar
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
Step 4: Add Fresh Strawberries
Top the cheesecake layer with:
– 2 cups freshly diced strawberries, spreading them evenly across the surface.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In another medium bowl, whisk together:
1. ¾ cup all-purpose flour
2. ¼ cup light brown sugar
3. ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Stir in:
– 5 tablespoons melted butter
Continue mixing until you have a crumbly dough, then sprinkle it evenly over the strawberries.
Step 6: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until set in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely for about an hour. Then place in the refrigerator until chilled for another hour before serving.
Enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are delightful on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate their flavor. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your dessert experience.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries complement the cheesecake’s sweetness and add a burst of freshness.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A warm chocolate sauce gives a rich contrast to the creamy cheesecake, adding an indulgent touch.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the dense cheesecake bars.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla or strawberry ice cream creates a deliciously cold contrast, perfect for warm days.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also give a refreshing taste that brightens each bite.
Plate with a Fruit Compote
- A homemade fruit compote can add extra moisture and flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Creating the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese and eggs sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the cream cheese mixture, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks during baking.
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Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
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Cut with a Warm Knife: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before cutting into the bars.
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Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different fruits or sauces on top for variety. Blueberries or caramel sauce can be great alternatives!
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Store Properly: Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
While Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create a more satisfying meal. Consider these options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well and offers savory contrast.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch complements the creamy dessert perfectly.
- Coffee or Tea: A cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors of the bars and provides a comforting finish.
- Pecan Pie Bites: These mini desserts offer a different texture and flavor while still being sweet.
- Mini Cupcakes: A variety of cupcakes can make for an appealing dessert table alongside your cheesecake bars.
- Caramel Popcorn: Sweet and crunchy popcorn brings an unexpected fun element to your serving plate.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with rich cheesecake bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final result.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Using cold cream cheese or eggs can lead to a lumpy filling. Always let them sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Skipping the chilling time: For the best texture and flavor, it’s crucial to chill the bars after baking. Skipping this step can result in a soft, messy dessert.
- Overbaking: Baking for too long can dry out your cheesecake bars. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are just set in the center.
- Incorrectly measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are essential for baking success. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly to ensure perfect proportions.
- Ignoring the crust: A well-pressed graham cracker crust adds stability. Press it firmly into the baking dish to prevent it from crumbling when served.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for best results.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until desired temperature is reached.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are delightful dessert bars made with a creamy cheesecake filling layered with fresh strawberries over a sweet graham cracker crust.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to your bars.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
To make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars gluten-free, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies or almond flour.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even drizzle chocolate over the top for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are an easy-to-make treat that impresses everyone. Their creamy texture paired with fresh strawberries makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite fruits or toppings!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are not only easy to make but are also perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to summer picnics. Each bite offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that will leave your guests craving more. Best of all, they can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal sweet treat for busy days. With customization options like different fruits or toppings, this recipe guarantees satisfaction for every palate.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each, room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups freshly diced strawberries
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Spread this mixture over the crust.
- Evenly distribute the diced strawberries on top of the cheesecake layer.
- For the crumble topping, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt; stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over strawberries.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set in the center. Cool completely before refrigerating for at least an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
