If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the lusciousness of cheesecake with the fresh burst of sweet strawberries, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars offer the perfect balance between a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberry topping, all baked to perfection and topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel. They are easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family at any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crunchy crust to the smooth cream cheese base and the fresh strawberry layer on top.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a buttery, crunchy base for the bars that holds everything together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the crust and crumb topping, enhancing every bite.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, offering creamy, tangy smoothness that balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Help bind the cheesecake filling and provide structure to the bars.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and filling without overpowering the other flavors.
- Diced strawberries: Add fresh, fruity brightness and lovely bursts of juiciness throughout the bars.
- All-purpose flour: Used in the crumb topping to create that perfectly crumbly texture.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a bit of granulated sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your dish to create a sturdy and flavorful base that will hold all the layers above it.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat together room temperature cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This luscious filling is what makes the bars truly irresistible—rich and velvety, it perfectly complements the fresh strawberries that will come next.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust, spreading it out gently with a spatula. Then, layer the diced strawberries on top of the filling — their juicy sweetness will peek through in every bite, making this dessert refreshingly delicious.
Step 4: Add the Crumbly Topping and Bake
Mix together flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the strawberry layer to add a buttery crunch. Bake the entire dish for about 35 to 40 minutes until the filling is just set in the center. Let the bars cool at room temperature before chilling them in the refrigerator.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, add a few fresh whole strawberries on top, or dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar. A drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprig of fresh mint can also brighten up the look and add another layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add creaminess and contrast. For a coffee break, serve them alongside a hot cup of your favorite brew to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on decorative toothpicks for dessert buffets or parties. You can also layer crushed bars in parfait glasses with yogurt or whipped cream and additional strawberries for a layered dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their creamy texture and fresh strawberry flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve their perfect cheesecake texture.
Reheating
For best results, serve the bars chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, heat individual portions gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the cheesecake.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture, which could make the bars soggy.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before serving?
Chilling the bars allows the cheesecake filling to set properly, making them easier to cut and enhancing the flavors, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?
Absolutely! You can use digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers as an alternative, just be sure to adjust the sugar and butter quantities accordingly.
How do I prevent strawberries from sinking in the filling?
Layering the strawberries on top of the cheesecake filling rather than mixing them in helps them stay nicely visible and evenly distributed.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
This recipe relies on cream cheese and butter, so it’s not naturally dairy-free. However, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and vegan butter substitutes.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little sunshine and sweetness to your table anytime. Whether for a casual snack or a stunning dessert, these bars are sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with fresh diced strawberries and a crumbly streusel topping. Perfectly baked to set and chilled for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (16 oz total) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Fruit Layer
- 2 cups diced fresh strawberries
Streusel Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and â…“ cup granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust layer.
- Mix the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, eggs, â…“ cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
- Assemble the base layer: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add the fruit layer: Evenly layer the diced fresh strawberries over the cheesecake filling, distributing them to cover the surface gently.
- Prepare the streusel topping: In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and forms clumps.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the strawberries. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cheesecake filling is set in the center and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about one hour at room temperature. Then transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before cutting into 12 servings and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when cutting the bars.
- Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained.
- Chilling the bars thoroughly before serving helps the cheesecake set properly and makes cutting cleaner.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
