Oh my gosh, if you haven’t tried making strawberry cheesecake bars yet, you’re in for such a treat! Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy cheesecake filling that’s perfectly paired with fresh, juicy strawberries. It’s like summer on a plate! These strawberry cheesecake bars are not only delicious, but they also offer a unique twist on traditional cheesecake. The graham cracker crust adds that perfect crunch, while the strawberry topping gives a burst of flavor that just sings. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to dessert for gatherings, picnics, or even just a sweet treat at home. They’re simple to whip up and will impress everyone who tries them. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can experience this delightful dessert for yourself!
Ingredients List
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
How to Prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect bake!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed. You want that buttery goodness to coat all the crumbs!
- Now, press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to get an even layer.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. I love using an electric mixer for this—it makes everything so much easier!
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined and you don’t see any lumps.
- Pour this luscious cream cheese mixture over your crust, spreading it out evenly. It’s looking good already, isn’t it?
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheesecake is set on the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Once it’s done, let it cool at room temperature for a bit, then pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you can wait!).
- Before serving, top with sliced strawberries and drizzle with strawberry jam. Wow, will everyone be impressed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So easy to make—perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers!
- The creamy cheesecake paired with fresh strawberries is simply irresistible.
- Great for gatherings, as they can be cut into perfect, shareable bars.
- Versatile enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, from kids to adults.
- They look stunning on a dessert table, adding a pop of color!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your strawberry cheesecake bars turn out perfectly every time! First off, be sure your cream cheese is softened—it makes mixing so much easier and gives you that dreamy texture. If you forget to take it out of the fridge, just pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds (but don’t melt it!).
Next, when pressing the graham cracker crust, really pack it down well; this helps keep it from crumbling when you cut the bars. And remember, don’t overbake! You want the center to be slightly jiggly when you take it out. It’ll firm up as it cools. Lastly, for the best flavor, use fresh strawberries and don’t skip the chilling time—this really lets the flavors meld and makes the bars nice and firm. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
These strawberry cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that you can enjoy without too much guilt! Each bar is approximately 250 calories, with 12g of fat (including 7g saturated fat) and 4g of protein. They also contain about 32g of carbohydrates and 18g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. But hey, every bite is worth it, right? Just remember to enjoy them in moderation!
FAQ Section
Can I make these strawberry cheesecake bars ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, they taste even better after a night in the fridge. Just make sure to cover them well to keep them fresh.
What’s the best way to slice the bars? For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts. This helps avoid any sticking and keeps those layers looking beautiful!
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your bars. Fresh strawberries, however, give the best flavor and texture.
How long do they last in the fridge? These strawberry cheesecake bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them while they last!
Can I add other toppings? Definitely! You can top these bars with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts for some extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your strawberry cheesecake bars fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to 5 days, but trust me, they’re so good they probably won’t last that long! If you want to make them ahead of time, you can also freeze them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight—no reheating needed! They’re best served chilled, so enjoy every delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions
To take your strawberry cheesecake bars to the next level, serve them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side—it’s like a cloud of sweetness! A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel can elevate the flavors even more. For a refreshing touch, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or mint leaves can add a delightful crunch and color contrast. Whatever you choose, these bars are sure to shine as the star of your dessert table!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: 7 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry cheesecake bars are a delicious dessert combining a creamy cheesecake filling with a strawberry topping on a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with sliced strawberries and drizzle with strawberry jam before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill the bars overnight for a firmer texture.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake bars, dessert, cheesecake, strawberries
