Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, birthday celebration, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The combination of textures—from the crumbly crust to the smooth filling and juicy strawberries—makes each bite a flavorful experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars can be whipped up in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet strawberries paired with rich cream cheese create a heavenly taste that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into bars, they are easy to serve at gatherings or parties, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them as-is or customize with other fruits or toppings based on your preferences.
- Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, saving you time on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×9-inch baking dish: Perfect size for creating thick and satisfying bars that hold together well.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: Ensures that your cream cheese filling is smooth and well-blended without lumps.
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, ensuring it comes up the sides.
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 this 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, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth.
2. Spread this cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Add Strawberries
Top the cheesecake layer with freshly diced strawberries, distributing them evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Stir in melted butter until you achieve a crumbly dough.
3. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the strawberries.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Transfer to a wire rack:
1. Let cool completely for about an hour.
2. Once cooled, refrigerate for another hour before serving chilled.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Serving Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Whether for a picnic, a dinner party, or family gatherings, these bars are versatile and delicious.
Share with Friends
- Cut into small squares: Perfect for sharing at gatherings. Smaller portions allow guests to enjoy more than one dessert.
- Serve on a platter: Arrange the bars neatly on a decorative plate for an eye-catching presentation.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Add extra strawberries: Fresh strawberries on top enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
- Include other berries: Raspberries or blueberries can provide contrasting flavors that complement the cheesecake bars.
Accompany with Beverages
- Serve with coffee or tea: A warm beverage pairs well with the creamy texture of the bars.
- Try flavored lemonade: The tartness of lemonade balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Perfecting your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can make all the difference in taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out amazing every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve a smoother cream cheese mixture and prevents lumps.
- Don’t overmix the filling: Overmixing can lead to cracks in your bars. Mix just until smooth.
- Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool before chilling helps set their texture properly.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerating the bars enhances flavor and makes them easier to cut.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding whipped cream or chocolate drizzle for added flair.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some ideas to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream is perfect for dolloping on top of each bar.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch pairs wonderfully with sweet cheesecake bars.
- Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing option cleanses the palate between bites of rich cheesecake.
- Nutty Granola Parfait: Layers of granola and yogurt create a crunchy alternative that complements the creamy bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:
-
Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold cream cheese or eggs can lead to a lumpy filling. Always let them sit out until they reach room temperature.
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Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science; precise measurements matter. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy to avoid texture issues.
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Overmixing the Filling: Mixing too much can incorporate air into the batter, leading to cracks during baking. Mix just until smooth and combined.
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Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial for proper texture. Be patient and let them chill in the fridge before serving.
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Forgetting the Crust: A solid crust is essential for structure. Make sure to press it firmly into the baking dish for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
- These bars will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in 15-second intervals until warm, but not hot.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but ensure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before adding them.
How long do Strawberry Cheesecake Bars need to chill?
They should chill for at least one hour after cooling completely at room temperature to set properly.
What is the best way to cut Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
Can I customize my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! You can add different fruits like blueberries or raspberries or mix in chocolate chips for variety.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries on a buttery crust. They’re perfect for any occasion and are easy to customize based on your preferences. Try adding nuts or chocolate drizzle for an extra special touch!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, where creamy cheesecake meets fresh strawberries on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, these bars offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth. They are simple to make, making them an ideal dessert for summer picnics or family gatherings. With a luscious filling and a fruity topping, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 packages cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups diced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat 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 firmly into the baking dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Spread over the crust.
- Top with diced strawberries evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set in the center. Cool for an hour, then refrigerate 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 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
