Oh my goodness, if you’ve never had strawberry cheesecake bars, you’re in for a real treat! These bars are an absolute dream – creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. I remember the first time I made these for a summer gathering; everyone was raving about how delicious they were! They disappeared faster than I could slice them up. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch that looks impressive but doesn’t require any fancy skills. Trust me, whether you’re hosting a party or just need a sweet treat to brighten your day, these strawberry cheesecake bars will steal the show every time!
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending)
- 1 cup sugar (yes, more sugar for that sweet cheesecake goodness!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (don’t skimp on this, it adds so much flavor)
- 3 large eggs (bring these to room temperature too for a smoother mix)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (the star of the show, so go for ripe and juicy ones!)
How to Prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Preheat and Prepare the Crust
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cheesecake bars bake evenly and turn out perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup sugar, and ½ cup melted butter. Mix them together until it looks like wet sand. Now, take a greased 9×13 inch pan and press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom to form a solid crust. It should be nice and compact!
Make the Cheesecake Filling
Now for the creamy goodness! In another mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until it’s smooth and dreamy. This part is my favorite—just imagine that luscious texture! Next, add in the 3 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition; this helps to incorporate the eggs without overworking the batter. You want it silky and smooth, so take your time here!
Assemble and Bake
Once your filling is ready, pour it gently over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Now comes the best part—top it off with those beautiful 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries. They’ll add a burst of color and flavor! Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. Let it cool at room temperature for a bit, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that perfect, chilled slice of strawberry cheesecake bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—whip these up in just 20 minutes!
- Simple steps make it perfect for beginner bakers.
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that scream summer with every bite.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone loves a sweet treat!
- Easy to slice and serve, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Can be made a day ahead, so you can relax and enjoy your time with friends.
Tips for Success
To really nail these strawberry cheesecake bars, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is softened and at room temperature; this helps achieve that ultra-smooth filling. If you’re short on strawberries, you can swap in other fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if your fruit is tart!
Another key point is to avoid overmixing the batter once you add the eggs—this keeps your bars from cracking as they bake. And if you want to add a little zing, a teaspoon of lemon juice or zest in the filling can brighten the flavors beautifully! Lastly, let them chill for the full three hours; this step is crucial for that perfect texture. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, these figures are approximate and meant to give you a general idea:
- Calories: 250 per bar
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 18g
Enjoy these delicious strawberry cheesecake bars in moderation, and savor every bite of this sweet treat!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh strawberries really shine in this recipe! If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your cheesecake bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Don’t worry, it will firm up as it cools! Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These strawberry cheesecake bars are perfect for making a day in advance. Just cover them once they’re completely cool and refrigerate. They’ll be even more delicious after a night in the fridge!
What can I use if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?
You can use any similar-sized baking dish, or even a square 8×8 inch pan. Just remember that the baking time might vary slightly if you change the pan size, so keep an eye on them!
Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake filling?
Definitely! You can mix in a bit of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract for a fun twist. Just be careful not to overpower the delicious strawberry flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover strawberry cheesecake bars is super easy! Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Now, if you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them too! Just slice the bars first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—these bars are best served chilled, bringing that refreshing strawberry flavor back to life!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your strawberry cheesecake bars, there are a few simple additions that can take them to the next level! Here are some ideas to enhance your dessert experience:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra creamy goodness. You can even sprinkle a little crushed graham cracker on the whipped cream for some added texture!
- Pair with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
- For a fun twist, try drizzling some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top—this adds a delicious layer of flavor that everyone will love!
- Enjoy alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the cheesecake perfectly, making every bite heavenly!
- If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve with a side of berry compote or fruit salad. The fresh fruit really brightens up the plate and adds a lovely touch.
These simple serving suggestions will make your strawberry cheesecake bars even more delightful and memorable. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: 7 Delicious Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry cheesecake bars with a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Top with sliced strawberries.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake bars
