Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines a creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries over a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or simply a sweet indulgence at home. Their beautiful layers and delicious flavors make them an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich cream cheese paired with fresh strawberries creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, these bars are sure to impress your guests.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these bars ahead of time and chill them in the refrigerator for a convenient dessert option.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, gather your tools. Having the right equipment on hand ensures a smooth baking process.
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 perfect for creating thick, delicious bars that hold their shape well after baking.
- Parchment paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment makes it easy to lift out the bars once they are cooled, ensuring clean cuts.
- Hand mixer: A hand mixer saves time and effort when beating the cream cheese mixture to achieve a smooth consistency.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 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
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 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
For the Strawberry Layer
- 2 cups (332 g) freshly diced strawberries
For the Crumble Topping
- 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 your 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring it comes up along the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish to form an even crust.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the room-temperature cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth. Carefully spread this cream cheese filling evenly over your prepared crust.
Step 4: Add Fresh Strawberries
Evenly distribute the freshly diced strawberries over the cream cheese layer. This adds freshness and flavor to your bars.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Stir in melted butter until you achieve a crumbly dough consistency.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberries. Bake in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until set in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Transfer your baking dish to a wire rack and let it cool completely for about one hour. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator until chilled for an additional hour before serving. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars chilled!
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 gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these bars can be the star of the show. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the rich cheesecake filling perfectly.
Serve with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delicious contrast with the tart strawberries and sweet cheesecake.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Add a rich touch by drizzling chocolate sauce over the top, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also bring a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness of the bars.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Pairing these bars with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a perfect afternoon snack, elevating your dessert experience.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling that incorporates easily.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking in the cheesecake layer.
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Let Cool Completely Before Chilling: Allowing the bars to cool before refrigerating helps set them properly and improve texture.
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Cut with a Warm Knife: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting; this will give you neat edges and maintain presentation.
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Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor for up to five days.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich bars.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well, offering savory notes alongside the sweet dessert.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These make an elegant addition that ties in beautifully with the strawberry theme.
- Shortbread Cookies: The buttery crunch of shortbread cookies brings texture and complements the creamy cheesecake.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt and granola add an extra element of freshness and crunch.
- Pistachio Crumble: A sprinkle of pistachios adds crunch and an unexpected nutty flavor that works well with strawberries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls that can affect your results.
- Overmixing the filling: This can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until smooth for a lighter cheesecake.
- Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold cream cheese can create lumps. Always let your cream cheese and eggs warm up before mixing.
- Not lining the baking dish properly: This can make it hard to remove the bars later. Ensure you line the dish with parchment paper for easy lifting.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into warm bars can ruin their texture. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before refrigerating.
- Not using fresh strawberries: Frozen strawberries may release too much moisture and alter the consistency. Use fresh strawberries for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep the bars covered with plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Strawberry Cheesecake Bars that you might find helpful.
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Yes! You can swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for different flavors.
How do I make gluten-free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars store well and can be made a day or two in advance.
What is the best way to cut Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Their sweet layers make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or toppings for a unique twist! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful treat that brings joy to every bite!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful layers of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries atop a buttery graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet nights at home. With their vibrant flavors and inviting presentation, these bars are sure to impress everyone with every bite. Plus, they can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a convenient sweet treat whenever you desire.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each, room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Spread over the crust.
- Evenly distribute diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set in the center.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
