Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries, all layered over a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for any gathering or just a sweet treat at home, these bars shine with their vibrant flavor and appealing texture. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your guests asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries creates a delightful taste experience that is hard to resist.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, these bars suit any occasion beautifully.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in advance, making them an ideal choice for busy days.
- Perfectly Portionable: Cut them into squares for easy serving—ideal for sharing!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, ensure you have the right tools on hand. This will help streamline the process and make your experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowls
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×9-inch baking dish: The perfect size ensures even baking and makes cutting the bars simple.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the bars after cooling.
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 extends up the sides to make removal easier.
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 your lined baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl:
1. Using a hand mixer, beat together cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth.
2. Spread this cheesecake filling evenly over the crust layer.
Step 4: Add Strawberries
Top the cheesecake filling with freshly diced strawberries, spreading them out evenly.
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 a crumbly dough forms.
3. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the strawberries.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until set in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely for about one hour. Then place in the refrigerator until chilled for an additional hour before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.
For a Classic Touch
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and texture.
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and refreshing flavor.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Strawberry Sorbet: Pair with strawberry sorbet to enhance the fruity notes of the bars.
Drizzled Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the bars for a decadent twist.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds sweetness and complements the strawberries beautifully.
On a Dessert Platter
- Fruit Medley: Arrange your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars on a platter with an assortment of fresh fruits for a colorful presentation.
- Cheese Selection: Serve alongside mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone to create a sophisticated dessert board.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
To achieve the best Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the bars to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps set the cheesecake filling perfectly.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth batter without lumps.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; the bars should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven.
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries as they provide natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or coconut flakes on top of the crumble layer for extra texture and flavor variation.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
When serving Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cheesecake bars.
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of strong coffee or espresso pairs wonderfully, cutting through the sweetness.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and echo the flavors in your dessert.
- Graham Crackers with Dip: Serve graham crackers with a sweet dip for fun finger food alongside the bars.
- Cheesecake Bites: Offer small cheesecake bites to continue the creamy theme in various flavors.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea complement desserts nicely, especially during warmer months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
- Not pressing the crust firmly: If the crust isn’t pressed down well, it may crumble when cutting the bars. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it tightly.
- Skipping the chilling step: Allowing the bars to cool completely before refrigerating is crucial. This ensures they set properly and enhances flavor.
- Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaked bars can become dry. They should be just set in the center when done.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements: Precision matters in baking. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:
How can I make my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars firmer?
To achieve firmer bars, ensure you bake them until they are just set, and cool completely before refrigerating.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before using them.
What is the best way to cut Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
For neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.
How long do Strawberry Cheesecake Bars last?
They can last up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries on a crunchy crust, making them an irresistible dessert option. They are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday parties. Feel free to customize with different fruits or toppings for a unique twist!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, where creamy cheesecake meets fresh strawberries atop a crunchy graham cracker crust. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself at home. Each bite of these bars delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to make and beautifully portioned, they are an ideal sweet treat that can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (for crumble topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Spread over the crust.
- Top with diced strawberries evenly.
- In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter to form a crumble topping; sprinkle over strawberries.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set in the center. Cool completely before refrigerating for an hour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
