Strawberry Cheesecake Bars 🍓🍰
If you’re craving a dessert that feels decadent but doesn’t demand a lot of fuss, these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are your new favorite recipe. With a buttery graham cracker base, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a tangy swirl of fresh strawberries on top, they’re the kind of treat that looks fancy but is secretly simple. Whether you’re hosting friends, bringing something sweet to a gathering, or treating yourself on a quiet night in—these bars deliver.
Why I Love This Recipe
These bars are a triple threat: sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy thanks to Greek yogurt and lemony strawberries. They bake in under 30 minutes and chill beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for busy days. And because they’re served in bar form, they’re super portable and perfect for parties or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 graham crackers
- ¼ cup sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for the strawberry topping)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for the cheesecake filling)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Substitutions & Tips
- Greek Yogurt: You can sub sour cream for an equally tangy touch.
- Graham Crackers: Try digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers if preferred.
- Strawberries: Fresh are best, but frozen (thawed and drained) work too.
Instructions
1. Prep Your Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
Pulse graham crackers and ¼ cup sugar in a food processor until fine.
Add melted butter and pulse until evenly combined.
Press into the bottom of your baking pan to form an even layer.
3. Cook the Strawberry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, 1 tbsp sugar, and lemon juice.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 5–10 minutes, until soft and jammy.
Set aside to cool.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, whisk together cream cheese, Greek yogurt, egg, 3 tbsp sugar, and vanilla.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Bars
Pour cheesecake mixture over your crust and smooth with a spatula.
Dollop half the strawberry topping over the surface and swirl with a knife or toothpick.
6. Bake & Chill
Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set.
Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Slice & Serve
Once fully chilled, lift the bars using the parchment and slice into squares.
Serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Tips for Success
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly.
- Swirl Gently: You want ribbons, not a fully mixed topping.
- Chill Time Matters: The longer it chills, the better the flavor and structure.
- Clean Slices: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve these bars as part of a full dessert spread alongside:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for a classic chocolate contrast
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie for another creamy, crowd-pleasing option
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for a fall-meets-summer flavor mashup
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cake for the ultimate cool-down treat
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls if you want a protein-packed sweet snack on the side
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment between bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
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Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the kind of dessert that disappears fast. They’re visually stunning, bursting with fresh flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or a regular Tuesday, this recipe delivers every time.
Tag @chefmaniac if you make them—we’d love to see your sweet creations! And follow for more fruity, creamy, always-delicious dessert ideas. 🍓✨
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