These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of creamy, tangy cheesecake and sweet, juicy strawberries, all wrapped up in a simple, easy-to-make dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a fresh strawberry topping, they’re the ultimate treat to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just craving something delicious, this recipe is foolproof and sure to be a hit!
Personal Story & Background:
I remember the first time I made these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars – I was a beginner baker, and I was nervous about tackling something as intricate as cheesecake. But these bars turned out beautifully, and the best part? They were surprisingly simple! The tangy cream cheese filling, the crunchy graham cracker crust, and the sweet strawberry topping all came together perfectly. Since then, these bars have become a go-to dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. I love how easy they are to make, yet they always feel special. If you’ve ever wanted to make a cheesecake but were intimidated by the process, this is the perfect place to start.
Ingredient Notes:
- Graham Cracker Crust: The crust is made from crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. It’s a classic combination that adds a crisp, buttery base to the creamy filling. You can also use store-bought graham cracker crumbs to save time.
- Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake filling! Full-fat cream cheese gives the bars their rich, smooth, and creamy texture. Be sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before using it for the best consistency.
- Sour Cream: Adds a touch of tanginess to the filling, balancing out the sweetness and giving it that classic cheesecake flavor. It also makes the filling smooth and creamy.
- Sugar: A little sugar sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and sour cream.
- Vanilla Extract: A bit of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cheesecake, giving it a warm, aromatic sweetness.
- Eggs: Eggs help set the filling, giving it that perfect, creamy texture. Make sure to beat them in gently so you don’t overwork the mixture.
- Fresh Strawberries: For the topping, fresh strawberries are key! You can slice them, mash them into a sauce, or even mix them into the filling for a fruity twist. For an extra sweet touch, feel free to add a little sugar to the strawberries before layering them on top.
Substitutions:
- Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but full-fat gives the creamiest texture.
- Graham Cracker Crust: You can swap out graham crackers for digestive biscuits, vanilla wafer cookies, or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor base.
- Strawberries: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Start by making the graham cracker crust. In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture has a sandy texture. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, making sure it’s even and compact.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until it’s golden and slightly set. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in ½ cup of sour cream and beat until everything is fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure the filling is level.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake the cheesecake bars at 325°F (163°C) for about 40-45 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center might still have a slight jiggle. This is normal and ensures the cheesecake will be creamy. Turn off the oven and let the bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
Step 6: Chill and Prepare the Topping
Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. While they’re chilling, prepare the strawberry topping by slicing fresh strawberries and tossing them with a little sugar (optional) to draw out their juices. You can also mash some of the strawberries into a sauce for a more vibrant topping.
Step 7: Serve
Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled, cut them into squares and top with the fresh strawberries. For an extra touch, you can drizzle some strawberry sauce on top or even add a dollop of whipped cream.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the creamiest cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause lumps in the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When beating the cheesecake filling, be careful not to overmix. This can incorporate too much air into the batter, which can cause cracks during baking.
- Cool Slowly: Let the cheesecake bars cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open. This prevents the filling from cooling too quickly and helps avoid cracks on the surface.
Serving Suggestions:
- Toppings: Top with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, or even some whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pairing: These cheesecake bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a light afternoon treat. You can also serve them at a family dinner or potluck for an easy yet impressive dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These cheesecake bars freeze well! After they’ve chilled completely, cut them into squares and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can use other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even mango slices. The topping can be customized to suit your taste and the season.
Do I have to refrigerate the cheesecake bars?
Yes, the cheesecake bars need to be refrigerated to set properly. This also helps the flavors develop and ensures they have the right texture when you serve them.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, these cheesecake bars taste even better the next day after they’ve had time to chill and set in the fridge.
Conclusion:
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a beginner-friendly dessert that’s perfect for anyone who loves cheesecake but might be intimidated by the process of making a full-sized one. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry topping, they’re a treat that everyone will love. Easy to make, even easier to enjoy—give this recipe a try and see how quickly it becomes a go-to for your sweet tooth!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: The Perfect Dessert for Beginners
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 14servings (adjusted from 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, tangy delight with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet, fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for beginners, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress with minimal effort!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 6 tbsp melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla and eggs, mixing gently.
- Stir in sour cream and mix until combined.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are set but center has a slight jiggle.
- Let cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
-
Chill and Add Topping:
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Toss strawberries with sugar (optional) and layer on top before serving.
Notes
- Crust Substitute: Use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
- Fruit Variation: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or mango.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
[…] Source link […]