Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines a smooth cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy graham cracker crust. These dessert bars are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. The blend of creamy and fruity flavors makes them an irresistible choice for dessert lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these bars up in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a sweet crumble topping creates an explosion of flavor.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a weekend treat at home.
- Chilled Delight: Serve these bars cold for a refreshing dessert option on warm days.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant strawberries on top make these bars visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools. Having everything prepared will streamline the process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×9-inch baking dish: Ensures even baking and the perfect size for cutting into bars.
- Parchment paper: Makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after baking for neat slicing.
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 Topping
- 2 cups (332 g) freshly diced strawberries
- 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 a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure it extends up the sides.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl:
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
Mix until it resembles wet sand.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl:
Use a hand mixer to beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth.
Spread this cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust.
Step 4: Add Strawberries
Top the cheesecake layer with freshly diced strawberries, spreading them evenly across the surface.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another medium bowl:
Whisk together flour, light brown sugar, and salt.
Stir in melted butter until you achieve a crumbly texture.
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 middle.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Transfer baked bars to a wire rack:
Let them cool completely for about 1 hour.
After cooling, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for another hour before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars chilled!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions:
Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light and airy contrast.
Serve with a Fruit Compote
- Drizzle with a warm strawberry or berry compote to intensify the fruity flavors.
Accompany with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes this dessert even more indulgent.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing taste that complements the cheesecake bars beautifully.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Pair your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
To achieve the best results, consider these helpful tips for making your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:
- Chill Ingredients: Using room temperature cream cheese and eggs helps create a smoother filling.
- Press Firmly: When making the crust, press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish for stability.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the oven; overbaking can lead to dry bars. The filling should be set but slightly jiggle in the center.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before chilling helps them firm up nicely, making them easier to cut.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Pairing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Fresh Berries: A mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries adds vibrant color and freshness.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce gives a rich contrast to the creamy cheesecake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This dairy-free alternative offers a tropical twist that pairs well with strawberries.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkling granola adds crunch and texture, enhancing every bite.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds an Italian flair and is great for dipping into coffee or tea.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce introduces an extra layer of flavor that complements strawberry well.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake provides a comforting pairing for a delightful brunch treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold cream cheese or eggs can create lumps in the filling. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Not pressing the crust firmly: A loosely packed crust won’t hold together when you cut the bars. Press it down firmly into the baking dish for best results.
- Overbaking the bars: Overbaking can lead to dry cheesecake. Keep an eye on them and remove when they are just set, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
- Skipping chilling time: These bars taste best when chilled, as it helps set the flavors. Don’t skip the refrigeration step after baking for maximum enjoyment.
- Cutting too soon: Patience is key! Cutting into the bars before they cool completely makes them messy and hard to serve. Wait for complete cooling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.
- They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the recipe.
How do I make gluten-free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and all-purpose flour alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour in the recipe.
Can I customize the toppings on my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flavor.
What should I do if my cheesecake filling is lumpy?
Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If it still seems lumpy, mix longer until smooth.
How long do Strawberry Cheesecake Bars last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, they can last up to 5 days, or up to 3 months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delightful but also versatile! You can customize them with different fruits or toppings based on your preferences. Perfect for any gathering or sweet craving, these bars will surely impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 9 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the bliss of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances a creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries and a crunchy graham cracker crust. These bars are not just visually appealing with their vibrant topping but also incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to treat for summer picnics, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. Enjoy the refreshing taste of chilled strawberry goodness that melts in your mouth with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 packages cream cheese (16 ounces total)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand. Press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour over the crust.
- Spread diced strawberries evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
- For the crumble topping, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt; stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over strawberries.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set in the middle. Cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for one hour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
