Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or simply indulging yourself at home. The balance of sweetness and tanginess makes them an irresistible dessert that everyone will love!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Crust Ingredients
• Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
• Topping Ingredients
• How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Crust
• Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
• Step 4: Add Strawberries
• Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Cool and Chill
• How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• With Fresh Whipped Cream
• Served with Ice Cream
• Garnished with Mint Leaves
• Accompanied by Chocolate Sauce
• On a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars firmer?
• Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
• What should I serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
• Are there variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for an easily shareable dessert that’s great for gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve chilled or at room temperature; they taste fantastic either way!
• Make Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×9-inch baking dish: This size is ideal for creating thick, delicious bars that bake evenly.
• Hand mixer: A hand mixer makes it easy to achieve a smooth cream cheese filling without lumps.

Ingredients

For these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, gather the following ingredients:

Crust Ingredients

• 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

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

• 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

Topping Ingredients

• 2 cups (332 g) freshly diced strawberries
• 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. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring it extends up the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
2. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Using a hand mixer, beat together cream cheese, large eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.
2. Continue mixing until smooth.
3. Spread this cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust.

Step 4: Add Strawberries

Top the cheesecake filling with the freshly diced strawberries, spreading them out evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, and kosher salt.
2. Stir in melted butter until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the strawberries.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until set in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Once baked:
1. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely for about 1 hour.
2. After cooling, place in the refrigerator until chilled for another hour before serving.

Enjoy your delectable Strawberry Cheesecake Bars as a sweet treat!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars can be paired with different accompaniments for an enhanced dessert experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, complementing the creamy cheesecake layer perfectly.

Served with Ice Cream

• Pairing these bars with vanilla or strawberry ice cream creates a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors that everyone will love.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Adding a sprig of fresh mint not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing element to each bite.

Accompanied by Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzling chocolate sauce over the top can introduce a rich sweetness that balances the tanginess of the strawberries.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars alongside other desserts like brownies or cookies for an impressive dessert spread at gatherings.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

To make sure your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars come out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in the cheesecake layer during baking.

• Cool Gradually: Allow your bars to cool gradually on a wire rack before refrigerating. This prevents condensation from forming, which can affect texture.

• Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, allow the bars to chill completely in the refrigerator before serving. This helps everything set nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be enjoyed on their own, but pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light balance to the richness of the cheesecake bars.

2. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses pairs well with dessert and offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake.

3. Mini Tartlets – Serve mini fruit tartlets for a variety of flavors, adding extra texture and taste alongside your bars.

4. Coffee or Espresso – A hot cup of coffee or espresso complements the sweet flavors beautifully while providing a nice caffeine boost.

5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These add an elegant touch and tie in beautifully with the strawberry theme of your dessert.

6. Panna Cotta – The creamy texture of panna cotta makes it an excellent companion, enhancing your overall dessert experience.

7. Nutty Granola – A sprinkle of crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with the soft cheesecake layer when served alongside.

8. Lemon Sorbet – The tartness of lemon sorbet contrasts with the sweetness of the bars, cleansing the palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Starting Point: Not pressing the crust firmly enough can lead to a crumbly base. Make sure to use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it tightly.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Forgetting to bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature may result in lumps in your filling. Allow these ingredients to sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing Batter: Mixing the cheesecake batter excessively can incorporate too much air, causing cracks. Beat just until smooth and combined.
• Cooling Time: Cutting into your bars too soon can make them fall apart. Ensure they cool completely at room temperature and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
• Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may result in undercooked or overcooked bars. Always preheat your oven and check with an oven thermometer if necessary.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.

How do I make my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars firmer?

To achieve firmer bars, ensure you bake them until they are set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Chilling them properly after baking also helps firm them up.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the filling layer.

What should I serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?

These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or fresh mint leaves. You could also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Are there variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?

Absolutely! You could add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even swirl in some chocolate ganache for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion. Their creamy filling paired with the freshness of strawberries makes each bite delightful. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different fruit toppings or flavorings to suit your taste!