Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup strawberry preserves; Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)

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These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars combine the classic flavors of creamy cheesecake with a swirl of sweet strawberry preserves, creating a delightful dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Each bite melts in your mouth, with the smoothness of cream cheese meeting the sweetness of strawberries on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for gatherings or a weekend treat, these bars are simple to make but impressive enough to please any crowd. The fresh strawberry garnish adds a touch of freshness and brightness, making this dessert both refreshing and indulgent. Whether for a summer picnic or a cozy night in, these cheesecake bars are bound to be a favorite!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup strawberry preserves
Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are well-coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue beating until well combined.
Add the vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream, mixing just until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
Spoon dollops of strawberry preserves over the cheesecake mixture. Using a knife, gently swirl the preserves to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices before serving. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 9 bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: A Sweet Treat with a Story

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, perfect for those who crave a balance of sweet and creamy flavors with a hint of fruity freshness. Originally inspired by traditional New York-style cheesecake, these bars offer a more convenient, handheld version that’s easy to serve and share. By swirling in strawberry preserves and layering a rich cream cheese filling over a buttery graham cracker crust, you get a dessert that feels familiar but has a unique charm of its own.

Cheesecake, in its various forms, has been around since ancient Greece, with its initial versions consisting of cheese, honey, and flour. As it evolved through history and made its way to the U.S., cream cheese became the standard ingredient, bringing that characteristic creamy texture we love today. These cheesecake bars honor that heritage while incorporating strawberries—a popular, nutrient-rich berry known for its natural sweetness and vibrant color. By using preserves in the filling and fresh strawberry slices on top, this recipe brings a double dose of berry flavor that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.

Why Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Are a Must-Make

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars stand out as a dessert that’s indulgent yet easy to prepare. Here are several reasons why this recipe deserves a place in your dessert repertoire:

Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or just treating yourself to something special, these bars are versatile enough for any event. They’re a hit with adults and kids alike, making them a universally pleasing choice for both casual and formal settings. The bite-sized format also makes them ideal for parties, eliminating the need for plates and forks.
Balanced Sweetness
Unlike some overly sugary desserts, these cheesecake bars have a balanced sweetness thanks to the tangy cream cheese and slightly tart strawberry preserves. The contrast between the rich, creamy filling and the fresh strawberry topping brings a harmonious flavor that won’t overpower your palate.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
Strawberries aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Incorporating fresh fruit into these bars adds a touch of healthiness to the indulgence, allowing you to enjoy dessert without all the guilt. Cream cheese also provides calcium and protein, making this treat slightly more nutritious than typical sugary options.
Simple, Approachable Recipe
The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make them, as the steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly. With just a handful of basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe makes cheesecake accessible to everyone, even those short on time.
Customizable and Easy to Adapt
This recipe can easily be customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, you could use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or substitute the strawberry preserves with other fruit flavors like raspberry or blueberry. You can even experiment with different crusts, such as a crushed cookie base, for a unique spin.

Step-by-Step Recipe Breakdown

Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential components in these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:

Graham Cracker Crust: The foundation of this dessert, the crust is made from graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. It provides a crunchy base that complements the creamy filling. When pressed firmly into the baking pan, it forms a sturdy layer that holds everything together.
Cream Cheese Filling: The heart of the recipe, this creamy layer is made by blending softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving that classic cheesecake texture—soft, smooth, and rich without being too heavy.
Strawberry Swirl: The strawberry preserves add a fruity, slightly tart layer that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese. Swirled into the filling before baking, it creates a visually stunning marbled effect that’s both elegant and appetizing.
Fresh Strawberry Garnish: After the bars are cooled and cut, topping each piece with a fresh strawberry slice adds a burst of color and freshness that enhances both the taste and presentation of this dessert.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

To make sure your cheesecake bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest filling, make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a consistent, creamy texture.
Don’t Overmix the Filling: While it’s important to blend the filling well, overmixing can introduce too much air, causing the cheesecake to crack as it bakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Achieve a Perfect Swirl: When adding the strawberry preserves, use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the cream cheese layer. Avoid overdoing it to preserve the beautiful marbled effect.
Allow Proper Chilling Time: These bars need to cool fully and chill in the refrigerator to set. Rushing this step can result in a runny texture. For best results, plan to make them in advance and allow at least 2-3 hours of chilling.

Health Benefits of Strawberries in Dessert

While these cheesecake bars are certainly a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the strawberries. Strawberries are a low-calorie fruit, high in fiber and rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and manganese. They support heart health, improve blood sugar levels, and help reduce inflammation. Adding strawberries to a creamy dessert brings a bit of balance and makes these cheesecake bars a slightly better option than typical sugary treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the best of both worlds: a classic cheesecake experience in a portable, sharable format. They offer the perfect bite of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors that will satisfy any dessert craving. Each bar is rich yet refreshing, thanks to the strawberry swirl that lightens up the dense cream cheese filling.

These bars are also a fantastic make-ahead dessert, allowing you to prepare them a day or two in advance. Whether you’re a cheesecake connoisseur or someone looking for a reliable dessert to wow guests, Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a foolproof option.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These bars are delightful on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with a few accompaniments:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Berry Compote: A warm berry compote on the side amplifies the fruity flavors.
Beverage Pairing: Pair with a glass of chilled rosé or a fruity iced tea for a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a modern take on the beloved cheesecake, perfect for any dessert lover. They’re approachable for novice bakers, yet sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning guests. With their beautiful strawberry swirl and creamy texture, these bars are a treat to both the eyes and the taste buds, making them a standout addition to any dessert lineup.