Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: 5-Ingredient Recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Effortless Indulgence in Every 5-Ingredient Bite
Craving a sweet treat that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen? Look no further! These incredible Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are your new go-to dessert for satisfying those cravings with minimal effort. Imagine a buttery, crunchy crust topped with a silky, tangy cream cheese layer and crowned with sweet strawberry preserves – all coming together with just five simple ingredients. This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe proves that extraordinary desserts don’t need to be complicated. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with these delightfully simple, yet utterly decadent bars!
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible bars. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can achieve with so few items!
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Preparation Instructions
Whipping up these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a perfect dessert that’s sure to be a hit. This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars later. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: While the crust cools, take a large bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, continuing to beat until the mixture is well combined and silky smooth.
3. Assemble the Bars: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
4. Add the Strawberry Topping: Carefully spoon and spread the strawberry jam or preserves over the cream cheese layer. For a more appealing look, you can use the tip of a knife to gently swirl the jam into the cream cheese layer, creating a lovely marbled effect.
5. Chill and Serve: Chill the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, until they are completely firm. Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Cut them into desired squares and serve. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
Elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with these creative variations:
Chocolate Drizzle: After chilling, melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it decoratively over the top for an extra layer of flavor and elegance.
Fresh Berry Garnish: Before serving, top each bar with fresh sliced strawberries, a few raspberries, or blueberries for added freshness and color.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, zesty counterpoint to the sweet strawberries.
Nutty Crust: Mix in a quarter cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the graham cracker crust mixture for an added layer of texture and flavor.
Whipped Cream Swirl: Serve individual bars with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top, perhaps with a small mint leaf for garnish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of jam?
A: Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, raspberry, cherry, or even apricot jam would work wonderfully.
Q: How long do these bars last in the refrigerator?
A: When stored in an airtight container, they typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Bars?
A: Yes, you can! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Do I have to bake the crust?
A: Baking the crust helps it set and gives it a slightly toasted flavor. While some no-bake crusts skip this step, for the best texture, baking is recommended.
Q: What kind of cream cheese should I use?
A: Always use full-fat block cream cheese, not the spreadable kind from a tub, for the best texture and firmness.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a testament to the fact that deliciousness doesn’t require complexity. With just five ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, you can create a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a foolproof way to bring joy to your taste buds. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible, creamy, and fruity bars!
Recipe Note
For the cleanest cuts, make sure your bars are thoroughly chilled before slicing. Wiping your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut can also help prevent sticking and ensure beautiful, smooth edges.
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
Course: Dessert
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 320 per bar
Ingredients
- FOR THE CRUST:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full graham crackers)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- FOR THE CHEESECAKE FILLING:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed, or 2 cups homemade whipped cream
- FOR THE STRAWBERRY TOPPING:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or quartered
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Make the Crust
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 325°F / 160°C. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment.
2️⃣ Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
3️⃣ Press firmly into pan.
4️⃣ Bake 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Make Cheesecake Layer
1️⃣ Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2️⃣ Mix in sour cream, vanilla, then eggs (do not overmix).
3️⃣ Pour over crust and smooth top.
4️⃣ Bake 25–30 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in center.
5️⃣ Cool completely, then chill 3–4 hours.
Make Strawberry Topping
1️⃣ In saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2️⃣ Simmer 3–4 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
4️⃣ Cool completely, then spread over chilled cheesecake.
Chef’s Notes: These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful no-bake treat (except for the crust!) perfect for parties or a sweet indulgence. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. Chilling is crucial for setting.
