Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combine creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. With their sweet and tangy flavors, they offer a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and chilled, making them ideal for busy occasions.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant strawberries on top make for a stunning dessert that impresses guests.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×9-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for ensuring even baking and easy cutting into bars.
- Hand mixer: Using a hand mixer allows you to achieve a smooth cream cheese filling quickly and easily.
- Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula helps you spread the filling evenly without damaging the crust.
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 covers the sides as well.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl:
1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
2. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese 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 cream cheese filling evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Add Strawberries
Top the cream cheese layer with diced strawberries, distributing them evenly across the surface.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and kosher salt.
2. Stir in melted butter until you form a crumbly dough.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberries. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until set.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Once baked:
1. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for about 1 hour.
2. Then transfer to the refrigerator until chilled for another hour before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are delightful on their own, but pairing them with other treats can enhance the experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your dessert stand out.
Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the creamy texture of the cheesecake bars perfectly.
Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delicious, cold contrast to the warm flavors of the strawberry cheesecake.
Garnish with Fresh Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also bring a refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce elevates the dessert, adding richness that pairs well with strawberries.
Serve with a Side of Berry Compote
- A warm berry compote enhances the fruity flavor and provides an extra layer of sweetness.
Accompany with Coffee or Tea
- Serving these bars with a cup of coffee or tea creates a perfect balance, making them great for gatherings.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix until just combined to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracks in your cheesecake bars.
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Cool Before Chilling: Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating; this helps maintain their texture.
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Cut with a Warm Knife: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
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Let Them Set: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill for at least one hour before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
When serving Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, consider these delightful side dishes that complement their flavors beautifully.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds refreshing flavors and textures alongside your dessert.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake bars.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats enhance the strawberry flavor while adding an elegant touch to your dessert table.
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Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio crumble offers an unexpected nutty flavor that matches well with strawberries.
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Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and pairs excellently with sweet desserts.
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Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies provide a rich crunch that complements the creamy texture of cheesecake.
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Mini Fruit Tarts: These tarts add variety and colorful presentation, making your dessert spread more inviting.
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Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages can cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother filling without lumps.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix the filling just until smooth. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks in your bars.
- Not Letting Them Cool Properly: Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating. This prevents sogginess and helps them set perfectly.
- Skipping the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars without breaking them.
- Using Unripe Strawberries: Always choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in your bars. Taste them before using!
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
- item They can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- item Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- item Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, checking often to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are delicious dessert bars featuring a creamy cheesecake filling layered with fresh strawberries over a graham cracker crust.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your bars.
How do I make my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars firmer?
To achieve firmer bars, ensure proper cooling time and consider adding an extra egg or reducing the sugar slightly.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even mix in chocolate chips for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are an irresistible treat that combines creamy cheesecake with juicy strawberries. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors or toppings according to your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful dessert bars at any gathering!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the fresh taste of strawberries, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress your guests. With their vibrant appearance and delicious flavors, they offer a satisfying indulgence for any occasion. Follow this simple recipe to create a dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 packages cream cheese (16 oz total)
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups)
- Granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your 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 crumbly; press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, blend cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth; pour over the crust.
- Top with diced strawberries evenly distributed.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set; cool completely on a wire rack before chilling in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 204
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
