Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe: A Delicious, Layered Treat Perfect for Any Occasion

When it comes to desserts, few combinations are as timeless and beloved as strawberries and cheesecake. The creamy richness of cheesecake paired with the fresh, sweet-tart bite of strawberries is a flavor match made in heaven. But what if you could enjoy that indulgent experience in a handheld, easy-to-serve format? That’s where these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars come in! These decadent bars offer all the wonderful layers of cheesecake, topped with juicy strawberries and a buttery crumble, but in a more accessible, portion-controlled form. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a treat for a family gathering, or simply want a little something special after dinner, these bars fit the bill. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make, which makes them perfect for beginners in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step to create these delicious, crowd-pleasing bars. From the easy-to-make graham cracker crust to the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, and the irresistible crumble topping, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make this dessert a success. So, let’s dive in and start baking!

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Ingredients and Preparation

Before we get started, let’s take a look at all the ingredients you’ll need for each layer of this scrumptious dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these ingredients are simple and easy to find. This recipe is designed with beginners in mind, so you won’t need any fancy equipment, just some basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, a hand mixer, and a baking dish. All of these ingredients come together to create a dessert that is not only delicious but also a fun baking project that anyone can do.

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs (roughly 10-12 crushed graham cracker sheets)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

The crust for these bars is the first layer and is made from crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. The graham crackers provide a crispy, slightly sweet base, while the butter helps bind everything together and adds richness. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness that will balance the tartness of the strawberries and the richness of the cheesecake filling. The beauty of this crust is its simplicity—just three ingredients, mixed together and pressed into the pan. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients for the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups (332 g) freshly diced strawberries

The cheesecake filling is the heart of these bars. It’s creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tartness of the strawberries. Be sure to soften the cream cheese and eggs before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling. The vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while the kosher salt helps balance the sweetness. Once mixed, the cream cheese filling is spread over the graham cracker crust, and fresh strawberries are added on top for that burst of fruity goodness.

Ingredients for the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

The crumble topping adds a perfect finishing touch to these cheesecake bars. It’s buttery and sweet with just the right amount of crunch to contrast the creamy filling and the soft fruit. The flour, brown sugar, and salt are combined with melted butter to form a crumbly dough that’s sprinkled over the strawberries. This topping is what gives the bars that extra bit of texture and flavor that makes them irresistible!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start making these delectable Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. Don’t worry if you’re new to baking—each step is straightforward, and we’ll guide you through the process so you can feel confident every step of the way.

1. Prepare the Crust
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. The parchment paper should cover the bottom and sides of the dish so you can easily lift the bars out later. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until it resembles wet sand—this will ensure that the crust holds together well. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. It’s important to press down gently but firmly to create a solid, even base. Once the crust is in place, it’s time to bake it for 8-10 minutes or until it turns golden brown. After baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This will ensure that the cheesecake filling doesn’t get too soft when you add it to the crust.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
   While the crust is cooling, it’s time to prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt with a hand mixer until smooth. Be sure to mix everything on medium speed to avoid over-mixing. The goal is to have a velvety, creamy texture without lumps. Once the filling is smooth and well-combined, spread it evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. It should cover the crust completely. After the cheesecake filling is spread, it’s time to add the fresh strawberries. Dice the strawberries into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the cheesecake filling. The strawberries will release a little juice while baking, adding even more flavor to the bars.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Then, add the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. The consistency should be similar to sand with small lumps, and it should hold together when pressed. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the diced strawberries. Be generous with the crumble, as this will create a delicious, crispy layer on top of the creamy cheesecake.
4. Bake the Bars
   Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the crumble topping is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set. The filling should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. If you notice any cracks forming on the surface, that’s perfectly normal and won’t affect the taste or texture. After baking, remove the bars from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process usually takes about 1 hour. Once they’ve cooled to room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill the bars for at least 2 hours before serving. The bars will firm up as they chill, making them easier to cut into squares.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Baking these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars is a simple and fun process, but here are a few helpful tips to ensure your success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing them together. Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling, and cold eggs can prevent the mixture from fully incorporating.
• Chill the Bars: The cooling and chilling step is crucial to ensuring the bars set properly. Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling helps the bars firm up, making them easier to cut and ensuring they hold together.
• Mix the Topping Gently: When preparing the crumble topping, mix the butter in slowly to avoid making the mixture too wet. The goal is to have small crumbs that will form a beautiful topping once baked.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or toppings. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can be used in place of the strawberries for a different flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble for added warmth and spice.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are delightful on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the dessert even further, here are a few serving ideas:

• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The lightness of the whipped cream or ice cream complements the richness of the cheesecake filling perfectly.
• Berry Compote: Serve these bars with a warm berry compote made from strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The slightly tart compote will contrast beautifully with the sweet cheesecake filling.
• Mint Garnish: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of color and a refreshing burst of flavor. It makes the bars look even more elegant for special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t always happen with desserts this good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and place them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a birthday celebration, or a casual afternoon snack. Their combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a crumbly topping is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The step-by-step instructions are simple to follow, and the end result is a dessert that looks and tastes impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen. We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your dessert rotation, and we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Whether you stick with the classic strawberry topping or experiment with other fruits, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit!