Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
A delightful dessert combining rich cheesecake with vibrant strawberries, perfect for gatherings and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs They give that buttery, crispy base.
- 0.25 cups 1/4 cup sugar A touch of sweetness for the crust.
- 0.5 cups 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Adds richness and binds the crust beautifully.
For the cheesecake filling
- 16 oz 16 oz cream cheese, softened The star of the show, with its creamy texture.
- 1 cups 1 cup granulated sugar Enhances the sweetness of the filling perfectly.
- 2 large 2 large eggs Provide structure and richness.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds aromatic warmth to the flavor profile.
- 0.5 cups 1/2 cup sour cream Contributes to a smooth and tangy finish.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp all-purpose flour Helps thicken the filling.
For the strawberry topping
- 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced The juicy, vibrant topping that brightens your bars.
- 0.25 cups 1/4 cup granulated sugar For enhancing the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp lemon juice Adds just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture is well moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form a solid crust.
Baking the cheesecake
- In a large mixing bowl, add 16 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of flour until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the prepared graham cracker crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden at the edges.
- Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Topping and Serving
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of diced strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook until the strawberries are tender and release their juices.
- Allow the strawberry topping to cool before spooning it over the chilled cheesecake bars.
- Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth filling. Chill thoroughly for the best texture. You can customize the topping with other fruits or add fresh mint leaves for garnish.