Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s effortlessly elegant yet wonderfully homey, Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are destined to be your new favorite. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, lusciously creamy cheesecake, bursts of real strawberry, and tones of sweet jam all in one perfect square. These bars combine crowd-pleasing flavors with the convenience of a hand-held treat, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or simply a decadent weeknight dessert. With a little bit of mixing and a gentle oven bake, you’ll have a tray of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars that are sure to impress, delight, and disappear quickly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how each ingredient truly shines—not only is every component easy to find, but each plays a vital role in making the colors pop and the textures sing. These simple ingredients work together to create Strawberry Cheesecake Bars that are creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of the crust, adding a toasty, sweet base that’s impossible to resist.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling, delivering that classic cheesecake flavor and a delicately golden crust.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Holds the crust together and brings a rich, buttery taste to every bite.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the bars—let it come to room temp for smoothest results.
- Eggs: Help set the filling and add structure while maintaining a silky texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth, brightening up the whole dessert.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cheesecake just enough body to slice into neat, sturdy bars.
- Sour cream: Infuses extra creaminess and a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Strawberry jam: Swirled over the top for bursts of strawberry flavor and that dreamy marbled look.
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and diced): The juicy jewels scattered on top, ensuring every bite tastes fresh-from-the-field.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. This slightly lower temperature helps the cheesecake cook gently and prevents cracking. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides—this little trick will make removing your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars absolutely stress-free (and keeps the pretty edges intact).
Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust
In a medium bowl, blend your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even layer—go ahead, use your hands or the back of a measuring cup for full coverage. Pop the crust in the oven for 10 minutes, just until it’s set and a little fragrant, then set aside to cool while you whip up the luscious filling.
Step 3: Whip the Cheesecake Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until it’s incredibly smooth and creamy (a stand mixer or hand mixer both work great). Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition—this guarantees that supremely creamy texture. Next, stir in vanilla, flour, and sour cream until just combined (don’t overmix). The combination creates a subtly tangy base for your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.
Step 4: Assemble and Swirl
Pour your cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and gently spread it into an even layer. Slightly warm the strawberry jam (about 10 seconds in the microwave does the trick), then drop spoonfuls onto the cheesecake. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the jam, creating those signature marbled strawberry ribbons. Scatter the diced strawberries evenly for pops of juicy, fresh flavor.
Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Chill
Bake in your 325°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the edges set, but the center still a little jiggly for ultimate creaminess. Cool the bars completely on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight). This patience is rewarded with perfect, clean slices of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars—trust me, the wait is worth every minute!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars look and taste fantastic as-is, but a little extra flourish never hurts. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a few more fresh strawberry pieces, or even a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to dress things up, a sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and freshness that brings out the berries even more.
Side Dishes
Looking to round out dessert time? These bars shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a handful of fresh berries, or even a tangy lemon sorbet. If you’re making a dessert spread, try pairing with mini lemon tarts or chocolate-dipped strawberries for a truly irresistible lineup.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars into smaller bites for a party platter, or go for big bakery-style squares for a statement treat. You can also layer the cut bars in glass jars for individual parfaits—just add extra whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a “deconstructed” vibe. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to draw admiring glances (and lots of requests for seconds!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty and fresh for up to 5 days, so you can keep sneaking a piece whenever your sweet tooth hits. Separate layers with parchment if stacking to keep the tops pretty and prevent sticking.
Freezing
Want to tuck some away for a future treat? These bars freeze beautifully! Once chilled and sliced, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer container. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. The texture and taste are still absolutely dreamy.
Reheating
While Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are delightful straight from the fridge, you can bring them up to room temperature for a softer, silkier bite. Just let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. There’s no need to use the oven or microwave unless you want an extra-warm treat—briefly warming for 10 seconds in the microwave can take off the fridge chill without melting the creamy center.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can swap in frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t in season. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to prevent excess moisture from making the cheesecake soggy.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be set and very slightly golden, while the center will still jiggle a bit when gently shaken. This means your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars will be creamy, not overbaked—remember, they’ll firm up further as they cool and chill.
Can I make these gluten free?
Absolutely! Just replace the graham crackers with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the filling. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You sure can. Just bake in a larger pan (like 13×18 inches) and keep an eye on the bake time—slightly longer may be needed. Your party guests will thank you for the extra batch of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!
How do I get clean, beautiful cuts?
Chill the bars thoroughly, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra precision, dip your knife in hot water and dry it before slicing—those neat, bakery-style edges will be worth the effort.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way Strawberry Cheesecake Bars bring together creamy, tangy, and fragrant flavors in every bite—each square is a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just craving a homemade treat, these bars never disappoint. Go on, give them a try—and don’t be surprised if they become one of your most requested recipes!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, where luscious cheesecake meets the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sour cream
Strawberry Swirl:
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter; press into pan; bake.
- Cheesecake Batter: Beat cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, flour, sour cream. Pour over crust.
- Strawberry Swirl: Warm jam, spoon over batter; swirl. Sprinkle diced strawberries on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges set and center jiggly. Cool, then refrigerate.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with a splash of lemon juice in the batter.
- Bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
