Description
Creamy, dreamy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars bring sweet indulgence straight from your kitchen with minimal baking skills required. Luscious layers of graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberry topping create a delightful treat you’ll want to share with everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) melted butter
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy foundation for the dessert by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, ensuring a uniform mixture that will hold together when pressed into the baking pan.
- Gently compact the crumb mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the crisp base for the cheesecake bars.
- Transform the crust into a golden foundation by placing it in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar together until achieving a velvety smooth consistency, using an electric mixer to eliminate any potential lumps.
- Introduce vanilla extract and eggs into the cream cheese mixture, folding gently to maintain a light and airy texture without overmixing.
- Incorporate sour cream into the filling, stirring until the ingredients are harmoniously blended and create a silky-smooth batter.
- Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, using a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
- Place the assembled dessert in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a set perimeter with a subtle jiggle in the center indicating perfect doneness.
- After baking, allow the cheesecake to rest in the oven with the door slightly ajar, facilitating a gradual cooling process that prevents cracking.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal set and flavor development.
- Prior to serving, optionally macerate fresh strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and create a vibrant topping.
- Slice the chilled cheesecake bars and garnish with the prepared strawberries, creating an elegant and delectable dessert.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat flour for a celiac-friendly version.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to create a lighter, healthier dessert without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter and baking in a water bath for gentle, even heat distribution.
- Enhance flavor by adding fresh lemon zest to the filling or creating a strawberry compote instead of using raw berries for more depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg