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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews
  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9-12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, smooth cheesecake layer and swirled with a fresh, homemade strawberry compote. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion and ideal for strawberry lovers seeking a sweet and tangy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve graham crackers)
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Topping

  • 2 cups chopped strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries soften. Use a fork or potato masher to crush the fruit slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Line a 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  3. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until the mixture holds together. Press this mixture firmly into the base of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.
  4. Mix the Cheesecake Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and velvety.
  5. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the graham cracker crust. Dollop about half of the cooled strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer. Using a knife, gently swirl the strawberry topping into the cheesecake to create a marbled effect.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake bars are set and the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture.
  7. Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Afterward, refrigerate the bars for at least 2-3 hours until completely chilled and firm.
  8. Serve: Slice the chilled bars into squares and optionally top with the remaining strawberry mixture for an extra burst of fresh flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake batter without lumps.
  • Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when cutting the bars.
  • Chilling the cheesecake bars completely helps achieve clean slices and enhances flavor.
  • Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and flavor in the topping.
  • For a more intense strawberry flavor, you may cook the strawberries slightly longer to reduce and thicken the compote.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake bars, no-bake strawberry topping, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, easy dessert bars, homemade strawberry compote

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Find it online: https://cooklilan.com/strawberry-cheesecake-bars-recipe/