Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries, all resting on a crunchy graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to summer picnics. With their rich flavor and beautiful presentation, they stand out as a sweet treat everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crust
• For the Cheesecake Filling
• For the Topping
• How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Crust
• Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
• Step 4: Add Strawberries
• Step 5: Create the Crumble Topping
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Cool and Chill
• How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• For a Classic Presentation
• With Fresh Fruits
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• For Coffee Lovers
• How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen strawberries?
• How can I customize my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
• Are these bars gluten-free?
• How do I know when my bars are done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and juicy strawberries creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a weekend treat, these bars fit right in at any event.
• Make-Ahead Dessert: Prepare them in advance and chill before serving, making entertaining a breeze.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to swap strawberries for your favorite fruit to customize the flavor to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, gather the necessary tools. This will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch baking dish helps evenly cook the bars and provides the right depth for layers.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the dish with parchment makes it easy to remove the bars without sticking.
• Hand Mixer: A hand mixer saves time and effort when blending the cream cheese filling until smooth.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 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, ensuring it extends up the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
2. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the lined baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Use a hand mixer to beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Spread this filling evenly over the prepared crust.

Step 4: Add Strawberries

Top the cream cheese layer generously with freshly diced strawberries.

Step 5: Create the Crumble Topping

In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Stir in melted butter until it forms a crumbly dough.
3. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the strawberry layer.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until set.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

After baking:
1. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely for about an hour.
2. Once cooled, move it to the refrigerator until chilled for at least another 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 enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, these bars can be served to impress.

For a Classic Presentation

• Serve chilled: Ensure the bars are well-chilled before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Garnish with mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a pop of color and freshness.

With Fresh Fruits

• Pair with mixed berries: Serve alongside blueberries and raspberries for a colorful fruit platter.
• Add sliced strawberries: Enhance the strawberry flavor by adding fresh sliced strawberries on the side.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert board: Include chocolate-covered pretzels, cookies, and mini cupcakes along with your cheesecake bars.
• Offer assorted toppings: Provide options like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or caramel drizzle for guests to customize their bars.

For Coffee Lovers

• Serve with coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the creamy richness of cheesecake bars beautifully.
• Pair with espresso: The bold flavors of espresso enhance the sweetness of the cheesecake.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that both cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Don’t skip chilling: Allowing the bars to chill thoroughly enhances their texture and makes slicing easier.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake; they should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.
• Cut with a warm knife: To achieve clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between slices.
• Add lemon zest: Enhance the flavor by mixing in some lemon zest with the cream cheese filling for brightness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a classic touch and balances out the tartness of strawberries.
2. Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream provides an airy contrast that complements the dense cheesecake bar texture.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each bar brings an indulgent twist to this dessert.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the fruity notes while adding color to your plate.
5. Coffee Cake: The rich flavors of coffee cake pair nicely with strawberry desserts, creating a delightful combination.
6. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses offers savory options that contrast beautifully with sweet cheesecake bars.
7. Lemon Sorbet: This light, tangy sorbet refreshes the palate after rich bites of cheesecake.
8. Nutty Granola: Sprinkling granola adds crunch and nutty flavors that pair well with creamy desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
• Not pressing the crust firmly: If you don’t press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish, the crust may crumble. Use the back of a measuring cup for even pressure.
• Overbaking: Baking too long can lead to a dry texture. Check your bars at 35 minutes to ensure they remain creamy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing your bars to cool completely before refrigerating is important. This helps them set properly and enhances the flavors.
• Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measuring is key. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts, especially for items like flour and sugar.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
• They can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best taste and texture.

Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place bars on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-15 second increments until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a pan on low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well too! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using them.

How can I customize my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?

Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different fruit toppings!

Are these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, use gluten-free graham crackers or an alternative crust made from nuts.

How do I know when my bars are done?

The cheesecake should be mostly set with just a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy crust. Perfect for any occasion, you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate—try making these sweet treats today!