Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup water

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of dessert bliss captured in a single bite, let me introduce you to Strawberry Cheesecake Bars! They’re the perfect harmony of a buttery graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake filling, and a vibrant, homemade strawberry glaze—all sliced into perfectly shareable bars. Whether you’re prepping for a spring picnic, a birthday treat, or just want a cozy, homemade dessert, these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a joy to make and even more delightful to eat.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a complicated pantry to achieve amazing results here! Each ingredient in these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars has a role to play—building flavor, adding creaminess, or creating that gorgeous strawberry topping. Let’s highlight why they’re all so essential:

Graham cracker crumbs: The classic start to any great cheesecake bar, these lend a lovely crunch and subtle sweetness to your base.
Unsalted butter, melted: This binds the crumbs together and adds that irresistible, rich mouthfeel.
Granulated sugar: Split between the crust, cheesecake, and glaze, it perfectly sweetens each layer.
Cream cheese, softened: The heart and soul of a creamy cheesecake—softened cream cheese ensures a ultra-smooth filling.
Sour cream: Adds pleasant tang and extra richness, balancing the sweetness for a grown-up touch.
Large eggs: Eggs gently set the cheesecake layer, giving the bars structure and their signature tenderness.
Vanilla extract: The aromatic boost that ties everything together; don’t skip it!
Fresh strawberries, chopped: Bursting with juicy flavor and natural sweetness, they make your homemade strawberry glaze shine.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the strawberry glaze so it stays put on top of your bars.
Water: Helps the strawberries cook down smoothly into a luscious topping.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper—making sure the edges hang over the sides. This trick will make it a breeze to lift your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars out later, and ensures they come out neat and ready to cut.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix until everything looks like damp sand. Firmly press this mixture into an even layer in the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it reaches every corner. This is your delicious, buttery foundation!

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar to a large bowl. Beat until creamy and completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Then, mix in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides between each, and finish with the vanilla extract. You’re looking for a velvety mixture that pours easily.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake mixture right over your crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center looks set (a gentle jiggle is fine). Let the pan cool fully on a wire rack. This pause helps prevent cracks and lets the flavors settle beautifully.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine your chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the berries break down into a glossy, sweet glaze. Take off the heat and let it cool to room temperature—the vibrant color is a showstopper!

Step 6: Top, Chill, and Slice

Spread the cooled strawberry glaze evenly over the cheesecake layer. Transfer the pan to your refrigerator and chill for at least two hours so the Strawberry Cheesecake Bars set up nicely. When you’re ready to serve, simply lift out the bars using the parchment and slice into beautiful, irresistible squares.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with some extra flair! A little dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scattering of sliced strawberries, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest on top will make them pop both visually and flavor-wise. These final touches make your bars look bakery-worthy and even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea to balance their sweetness. If you’re planning a dessert spread, they pair beautifully with other fruity treats or something chocolaty for variety. Fresh berries or even a crisp fruit salad are also brilliant companions!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve your bars in vibrant cupcake liners or on a pretty tiered cake stand for extra charm. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter as cheesecake “bites,” or use decorative toothpicks for an elegant dessert buffet. The bars are so versatile, they’ll steal the show no matter how you present them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay perfectly creamy and delicious for up to five days—if they last that long!

Freezing

These bars are freezer-friendly, too. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months; just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled, so no need to reheat! If you’ve just pulled a frozen bar from the freezer, allow it to come to fridge temperature before indulging, to ensure that same creamy texture and bright strawberry flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thawed, drained frozen strawberries work just as well for the glaze, especially when fresh berries aren’t available. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen strawberries hold more water and may take a little longer to thicken up.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

For picture-perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut. This prevents any sticking or tearing, giving you neat, beautiful edges every time.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Definitely! A digestive biscuit or vanilla wafer crust would both work nicely and offer their own unique twist. Just make sure they’re finely crushed and combined with melted butter for a sturdy base.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Letting the bars cool gradually is key! Don’t rush the cooling, and be sure that you’re not overbaking—the center should be set but still slightly jiggly. Chilling after baking also helps keep the texture perfectly creamy and crack-free.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Just watch your baking time—it may need a few extra minutes so the cheesecake is set in the center.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, from their vibrant color to their luscious flavor. If you’re craving a dessert that really wows with minimal fuss, give these a try and share them with those you love—they might just become your new favorite slice of happiness!

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy decadence of these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into the pan.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sour cream, and 3/4 cup sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Pour over crust.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Cool.
Prepare the glaze: Cook strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water until thickened. Cool.
Finish: Spread glaze over cheesecake. Chill for 2 hours. Cut into bars.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American