Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Snack Bars Recipe

Sweet & Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Snack Bars Recipe

Sweet strawberry cheesecake snack bars offer a delightful twist on classic dessert combinations.

Summer berries burst with natural sweetness in this simple treat.

Creamy layers melt perfectly between buttery graham cracker crusts.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor in every single bite.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these bars in minutes.

Dessert enthusiasts appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

Rich and decadent, these bars promise to become your new favorite indulgence.

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Snack Bars

  • Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone craves a sweet, fruity treat.
  • Flexible recipe that allows swapping strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variety.
  • Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient dessert option for busy lifestyles.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy foundation that creates a delicious crust for the cheesecake bars.
  • Butter, Sugar: Help bind the crust and add richness and sweetness.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary creamy and tangy component that gives the bars their classic cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Sour Cream: Enhance the flavor, provide structure, and add depth to the cheesecake layer.
Strawberry Topping:
  • Strawberries: Fresh and vibrant fruit that adds a bright, sweet flavor to the dessert.
  • Sugar, Cornstarch, Water: Help create a thick and glossy strawberry sauce that complements the creamy cheesecake base.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Snack Bars

Step 1: Create the Crumbly Crust

Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs.

Mix the cracker crumbs with:
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar

Press this delicious mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden.

Let the crust cool down completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Grab your mixer and beat cream cheese and sugar until they’re silky smooth.

Add in:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Blend everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks like a cloud of deliciousness.

Pour this dreamy mixture over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Layer

Slide the pan back into the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges look set and the center has a gentle wobble.

Remove and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Craft the Strawberry Topping

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Diced strawberries
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Simmer the mixture until it thickens into a luscious sauce.

Let it cool down completely.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Spread the cooled strawberry topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Refrigerate for an hour to let everything set perfectly.

Slice into bars and enjoy your decadent treat!

Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

  • Avoid overmixing the batter and overbaking to keep the surface smooth and prevent unsightly cracks.
  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when cutting.
  • Simmer strawberry topping slowly and stir constantly to achieve the perfect thick, glossy texture without burning.
  • Refrigerate bars for at least 2-3 hours to allow cheesecake to set completely and develop rich, creamy consistency.
  • Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for neat, clean slices that showcase beautiful layers.

Storing and Reheating Cheesecake Bars

  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual bars or the entire pan in plastic wrap, then in freezer-safe aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep bars at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always return to the refrigerator after serving.
  • Gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Pairing Ideas for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Harmonize Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with:
  • Pair with Crisp Champagne: Bubbling champagne cuts through the rich, creamy cheesecake and complements the sweet strawberry topping with refreshing acidity.
  • Match with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Delicate floral notes in the tea enhance the strawberry's sweetness while providing a light, aromatic contrast to the dense cheesecake.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream creates a luxurious texture combination and amplifies the dessert's creamy, fruity profile.
  • Enjoy with Fresh Mint Spritzer: Light, herbaceous mint drink cleanses the palate between bites and adds a cool, bright element to the rich dessert.

Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

  • Gluten-Free Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safety for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of eggs and sour cream. Choose plant-based butter for the crust to create a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fresh strawberries with less added sugar in the topping. Choose a sugar-free graham cracker substitute for a reduced-calorie version.
  • Chocolate Strawberry Variation: Add cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolate base. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the strawberry topping. Incorporate chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer for extra richness.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake bars?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at the right temperature, and use a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create humidity.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

Yes, thaw and drain them completely before cooking to prevent excess moisture. Fresh strawberries work best for the most vibrant flavor and texture.

  • What's the best way to cut clean, neat bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. For ultra-clean slices, run the knife under hot water and dry it before cutting.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The edges should be set, but the center should have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Overbaking can cause a dry, cracked surface.

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Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Snack Bars Recipe

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Snack Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Strawberry cheesecake snack bars deliver a luscious dessert experience with creamy, tangy layers and sweet berry essence. Delightful graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese filling promise pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts craving a simple yet irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 large eggs

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Thickening and Binding Agents:

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
  6. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then gently fold in vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is uniform and silky.
  7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure complete coverage.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for set edges and a slight wobble in the center, indicating perfect doneness.
  9. Remove from oven and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
  10. For the strawberry topping, combine diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
  11. Simmer the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  12. Allow the strawberry topping to cool completely before gently spreading it over the chilled cheesecake layer.
  13. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for an additional hour to set the topping and enhance flavor melding.
  14. Cut into bars, serve chilled, and enjoy these delectable strawberry cheesecake snack bars.

Notes

  • Customize the crust by swapping graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Achieve a silky smooth cheesecake filling by ensuring cream cheese is at room temperature and beating ingredients slowly to prevent air bubbles.
  • Prevent cracking by placing a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking, which creates a humid environment and helps the cheesecake cook evenly.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a splash of lemon zest to the strawberry topping or using fresh seasonal berries for a more vibrant and intense fruit taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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