Let me introduce you to pure summer delight: Strawberry Cheesecake Bars! This recipe takes all the lusciousness of classic cheesecake, pairs it with a buttery graham cracker crust, and tops it off with a glossy, jammy strawberry layer. Each bite is a symphony of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy—a treat that never fails to impress at gatherings or simply as a reward at the end of a long day. Whether you serve them at a backyard picnic or sneak one straight from the fridge, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these bars disappear.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars requires just a handful of staple ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the crunchy crust to the vibrant strawberry topping, here’s how everything comes together into a show-stopping dessert.

Graham cracker crumbs: These form the sturdy, toasty-sweet foundation for your bars; use a food processor for perfectly even crumbs.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to each layer, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust and delivers a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture; extra butter means a firmer base.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of any cheesecake! Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for velvety-smooth results.
Vanilla extract: A dash brings lovely aromatic warmth to your filling—don’t skip it.
Large eggs: Essential for setting the creamy filling, eggs give the bars structure and a custardy bite.
Sour cream: This secret ingredient makes the cheesecake extra rich, smooth, and a little bit tangy.
Fresh strawberries (chopped): The star of the show! Choose ripe, sweet berries for the most vibrant topping.
Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens the berries and keeps the topping perfectly balanced.
Cornstarch (mixed with water): Thickens the strawberry topping into a glossy, spoonable jam that won’t run off the bars.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). For perfect, mess-free bars, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes lifting and slicing the finished bars a breeze and keeps cleanup quick and easy.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together in a medium bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes so the crust sets and gets toasty and aromatic. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you work on the filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Add the sugar and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each to ensure ultimate creaminess. Finish by blending in the sour cream until the mixture is fully smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and use a spatula to smooth the top. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set, but the center just barely jiggles when you shake the pan. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to help them firm up and develop flavor.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Topping

As the cheesecake chills, add your chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the berries release their natural juices and everything becomes syrupy—about 5–7 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir for another 1–2 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like texture. Let it cool completely before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once both filling and topping are chilled, spread the strawberry layer evenly over the cheesecake. Use the parchment overhang to gently lift everything out of the pan, then slice into 9 beautiful bars. The swirl of pink and cream is irresistible—get ready to watch these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars vanish!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle fresh strawberry slices on top of each bar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or scatter just a hint of finely grated lemon zest. A few sprigs of mint are always a lovely, fragrant accent that highlights the summer flavors.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars shine on their own, but they make a stunning centerpiece on a dessert buffet accompanied by lemon cookies, chocolate-dipped berries, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. Serve chilled alongside a pot of coffee or iced tea for a truly refreshing treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars on a pretty cake stand, serve them in cupcake liners for easy handling at a picnic, or try cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter. You can even assemble them in mason jars for individual cheesecake parfaits—a guaranteed hit at any party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge. If you’re planning ahead, make them a day in advance—they actually taste even better as the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and wait to add the strawberry topping until after defrosting for best texture and color.

Reheating

These bars are truly best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat! If you prefer them a touch warmer, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. This softens the cheesecake ever so slightly while maintaining that rich, creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

Absolutely! Thaw the strawberries first and drain off excess liquid. Cook them down just as you would with fresh berries—the flavor will still be bright and lively.

How do I get perfectly clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut. The chilled bars and that hot blade combination make for beautiful, bakery-style slices every time.

Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars gluten free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten free, so you can indulge worry-free.

What other fruits can I use for topping?

Try swapping in raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of summer berries. The tangy cheesecake pairs wonderfully with almost any fruit you have on hand!

Should the cream cheese be room temperature?

Definitely! Room temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly, ensuring your filling is creamy and lump-free. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start baking.

Final Thoughts

All that’s left is to roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to a batch of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. They’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation—impossibly creamy, bursting with strawberry flavor, and always just the right amount of indulgent. Happy baking!

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars that marry the creaminess of cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. A perfect dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream

For the strawberry topping:

1 and 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, eggs, and sour cream. Pour over crust and bake for 30–35 minutes.
Prepare the topping: Cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until thickened. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
Serve: Slice into bars and enjoy!