Indulge in the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, tangy strawberries with these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. A luscious, velvety cheesecake layer sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a vibrant strawberry topping that adds a refreshing burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they’ll become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 graham crackers, crushed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the strawberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool. - Make the cheesecake filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended. - Assemble the bars:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled. - Prepare the strawberry topping:
In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and soften (about 5 minutes). In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until smooth, then add it to the saucepan. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency. - Assemble the finished bars:
Once the cheesecake bars have chilled, spread the strawberry topping evenly over the top. Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing treat.