If you love the creamy richness of cheesecake and the fresh pop of summer strawberries, you are going to swoon over these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a tangy, luscious cheesecake layer, and a sweet swirl of homemade strawberry topping, every bite feels like a mini getaway to dessert paradise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, Tangy, and Buttery Layers: Every bar features a delightful balance of textures and flavors, from the crisp crust to the creamy center and juicy fruit topping.
- No-Fuss, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These bars are simple enough for a weeknight treat but pretty and impressive enough for parties or potlucks.
- Bursting with Real Strawberries: The homemade compote brings out the best of fresh berries—no artificial flavorings here!
- Easy to Make Ahead: You can chill and slice these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in advance, making dessert time totally stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars only requires a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. From the crunchy graham cracker crust to the creamy cheesecake and vibrant strawberries, every component brings its own magic to the dessert platter!
- Graham crackers: These get blitzed into delicious crumbs to form the classic, buttery base for your bars.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the filling without overshadowing the fresh flavors.
- Butter (melted): The secret to a rich, cohesive crust that slices like a dream.
- Plain cream cheese (room temperature): Softened cream cheese ensures your cheesecake layer is silky smooth and easy to blend.
- Greek yogurt: Adds a light tang and keeps the filling wonderfully creamy without being too heavy.
- Egg: Binds the filling together for that perfect cheesecake texture.
- Vanilla extract: Gives the cheesecake its warm, familiar aroma. Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- Strawberries (chopped): Fresh strawberries provide that pop of color and juicy, tart-sweet flavor on every bite.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the strawberries, making the topping extra vibrant and flavorful.
Variations
One of the best things about these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars is how easy they are to customize! Feel free to swap, add, or adjust ingredients to suit seasonal fruit, dietary preferences, or your own sweet tooth.
- Berry Swap: Use raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries instead of strawberries for a fun, colorful twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top cooled bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers for an easy gluten-free treat everyone can enjoy.
- Citrus Burst: Add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake layer for a bright zingy flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. The parchment not only prevents sticking but makes it so much easier to lift and slice those beautifully layered bars later on!
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Add your graham crackers and sugar to a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and pulse again until everything is evenly combined and the mixture looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to get into the corners for a sturdy, even base.
Step 3: Cook the Strawberry Topping
Combine chopped strawberries, a tablespoon of sugar, and a tablespoon of lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let the berries cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring and mashing gently with a wooden spoon until they thicken into a compote. Set this aside to cool while you work on the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. A hand or stand mixer makes quick work of this—just be sure to scrape down the sides so there are no lumps left behind.
Step 5: Assemble and Swirl
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Dollop half of your strawberry compote by spoonfuls on top, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the cheesecake layer. Start with half the compote; add more if you want even more strawberry goodness in every bite!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the center still has a tiny jiggle. Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Then, transfer to the refrigerator for at least an hour so the Strawberry Cheesecake Bars set up perfectly for slicing.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, lift the whole slab out of the pan using the parchment paper, then cut into even squares. Get ready for oohs, aahs, and lots of happy forks clinking on dessert plates!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the creamiest filling, always let your cream cheese soften on the counter—no cold lumps to fuss with!
- Don’t Overbake: Pull the bars out of the oven when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly; it’ll finish setting as it cools for that ultra-smooth texture.
- Swirl Artfully: Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the strawberry topping gently—don’t over-mix or you’ll lose those gorgeous ripples of red.
- Clean Slices: For perfect squares, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts; it keeps the layers crisp and beautiful.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, top each bar with a fresh strawberry half, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a sprig of mint. If you have extra strawberry compote, drizzle it on just before serving for an extra splash of berry brilliance!
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with lightly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or crisp lemon cookies. They also shine alongside a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of sparkling rosé at brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars on a vintage cake stand for a tea party vibe, or nestle individual pieces in parchment wrappers for an easy-to-grab dessert at picnics. For something extra special, layer mini squares in glass jars with more strawberries and whipped cream for a dazzling parfait presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen, so they taste even better after a day or two!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Bars! Just be sure to chill them thoroughly first, then wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost in the fridge overnight for a grab-and-go treat whenever you please.
Reheating
These are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. But if you prefer a slightly softer texture, set your bar out on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving—just enough for the creamy filling to mellow.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Absolutely! Just let the frozen strawberries thaw and drain off any excess liquid before cooking them down with the sugar and lemon juice. They’ll create a wonderful compote almost as vibrant as fresh.
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What’s the best way to get clean slices?
For picture-perfect squares, let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the blade between cuts—it helps keep the layers neat and prevents any filling from smudging the edges.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bars may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven, so check for doneness around 35 minutes.
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Are Strawberry Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?
The classic recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the graham crackers, but a quick swap with certified gluten-free graham crackers makes them perfect for gluten-free guests!
Final Thoughts
If there’s ever a dessert that brings a smile to any crowd, it’s Strawberry Cheesecake Bars—simple, stunning, and bursting with flavor. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it bring a little extra sweetness to your next gathering or cozy night in!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. A buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a fresh strawberry topping make for a perfect dessert treat!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 12 graham crackers
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz. plain cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the strawberry topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers and sugar in a food processor. Add melted butter, pulse until combined. Press mixture into the prepared pan.
- Make the strawberry topping: Cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan until softened. Set aside.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, yogurt, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Spread cheesecake mixture over crust. Swirl in half of the strawberry compote. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let bars cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Calories are per bar and are an estimation
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
