Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, you can’t go wrong with these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a layer of sweet strawberry topping, these bars are perfect for picnics, parties, or a cozy night in. They’re easy to share, simple to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Perfectly portable for potlucks, picnics, or lunchbox treats.
- Creamy, tangy cheesecake paired with fresh strawberry flavor in every bite.
- No need for a springform pan or water bath—just bake and slice!
- Great for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- For the strawberry topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well blended and the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until creamy and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Beat in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and flour until just combined. Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Topping
In a small bowl, stir together diced strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice. Drop small spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry topping into the cheesecake batter for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake the Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best).
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares, garnish with extra fresh strawberries if desired, and enjoy!
Notes for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in your filling.
- Swirl the strawberry topping gently to avoid over-mixing into the batter.
- For more tips on perfect cheesecake, check out this helpful cheesecake guide.
Variations on Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Berry Medley: Swap strawberries for a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a colorful twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
- Lemon Zest: Add extra lemon zest to the batter for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
Equipment Needed for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- 8×8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Sharp knife
Storage Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Serve with whipped cream and extra fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
- For a special occasion, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, richest flavor.
- Allow the bars to chill completely before slicing for neat, clean edges.
- For more cheesecake troubleshooting, visit this detailed guide.
FAQ: Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
- Yes! Thaw and drain well before using to avoid excess moisture.
- Can I double this recipe?
- Absolutely—double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
- How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?
- The center should be just set and slightly jiggly; the bars will firm up as they cool.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of strawberries, check out this article.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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2In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
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3In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
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4Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and spread evenly.
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5In a small bowl, mash the strawberries and mix with strawberry jam. Drop spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer and swirl gently with a knife.
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6Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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