Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, family gathering, or just a sweet treat at home. The layers of flavor and texture make each bite irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries creates a deliciously refreshing dessert.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any gathering, these bars will impress your guests.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these bars in advance and chill them until you’re ready to serve.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With their rich flavors and beautiful presentation, everyone will love these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Hand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing cream cheese until smooth.
- 9×9-inch baking dish: The perfect size for even baking of your cheesecake bars.
Ingredients
To create your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need the following 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 (175°C). 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 the mixture into the lined baking dish evenly.
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 salt until smooth.
2. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Add Strawberries
Top the cheesecake filling with freshly diced strawberries. Ensure they’re evenly distributed across the surface.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and kosher salt.
2. Stir in melted butter until you form a crumbly dough.
Step 6: Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberries. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until set in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Once baked:
1. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for about one hour.
2. After cooling, place it in the refrigerator until chilled for another hour before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your dessert experience.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and texture.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair the cheesecake bars with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the bars for an indulgent twist that complements the strawberries.
Garnished with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also bring a burst of freshness that elevates the flavors.
Served on a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the bars on a decorative platter with some whole strawberries and mint for an appealing presentation.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars turn out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Allow cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
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Don’t overmix: Mix your filling just until smooth. Overmixing can introduce air and lead to cracks during baking.
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Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps set the filling and improves texture.
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Chill before serving: Refrigerate the bars for at least one hour after cooling. Chilling enhances flavors and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great side options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cheesecake bars.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast that complements sweetness.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: A small bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits provides crunch and additional flavors.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso pairs beautifully, enhancing the dessert’s flavor.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats echo the flavors in the bars while adding extra indulgence.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate between bites of rich cheesecake.
- Mini Pastries: Offer an assortment of mini pastries like eclairs or tarts for variety in textures and flavors.
- Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing drink option, sparkling water with lemon or lime complements dessert nicely without being overly sweet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
- Overmixing the cheesecake batter: Mixing too much can incorporate air, causing cracks during baking. Mix just until smooth.
- Skipping the chilling time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Chilling ensures the bars set properly and enhances flavor.
- Not lining the baking dish: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift out and cut the bars cleanly.
- Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Ensure bars are cooled completely before sealing to avoid moisture build-up.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Freeze in a single layer for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for protection.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes until slightly soft.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on a plate for 10-15 seconds, watching closely.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are done?
The edges should be slightly puffed while the center remains slightly jiggly. They will set as they cool.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries before using them in the recipe for best results.
Can I make these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free options available at many stores.
What can I top my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with?
You can drizzle chocolate sauce, sprinkle powdered sugar, or add whipped cream for extra flair.
How long do these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars last?
They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer if stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their creamy filling, sweet strawberries, and crunchy crust make each bite irresistible. Feel free to customize with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet nights at home. With their refreshing flavor and appealing presentation, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Plus, this recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups freshly diced strawberries
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl; press into the prepared dish for the crust.
- Beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth; spread over the crust.
- Top with diced strawberries evenly.
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and salt; stir in melted butter to create crumble topping. Sprinkle over strawberries.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set; cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least one hour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
