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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: A Delightful Sweet Treat
When you’re craving something rich, creamy, and fruity, Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect solution. These bars combine the best of both worlds—the smooth, velvety texture of cheesecake with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries, all packed into easy-to-serve squares. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these strawberry cheesecake bars are guaranteed to impress.
The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a little time. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious strawberry topping, these bars are the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion.
🍴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and dreamy – the perfect balance of rich, smooth cheesecake and tangy strawberries
- Easy to make – this no-fuss recipe takes minimal prep and only a few ingredients
- Perfect for sharing – pre-sliced bars make it easy to serve at parties, picnics, or family gatherings
- Customizable – swap out the strawberries for other berries or fruits to suit your taste
- Make-ahead – these bars can be made in advance, making them ideal for busy days or events
🛒 Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the strawberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
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 combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (if using). Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Assemble and bake the bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when you gently tap the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool and chill
Allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the baking dish at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or until fully set.
5. Prepare the strawberry topping
While the cheesecake bars are chilling, prepare the strawberry topping. In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well and let the strawberries macerate for about 20-30 minutes. This will help draw out the juices and create a sweet syrup that will enhance the flavor of the strawberries.
6. Serve and enjoy
Once the cheesecake bars are chilled and set, top them with the macerated strawberries and their juices. Cut the bars into squares and serve. The creamy cheesecake paired with the sweet, tangy strawberries is a match made in dessert heaven!
