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