Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars offer a rich and creamy filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for a sweet treat, they’re easy to make and ideal for gatherings or a simple dessert at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 heaping cups (294g) frozen strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons (24g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (3g) corn starch
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1 ¼ cups (112g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat cream cheese blocks, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (63g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 large lemon, zested
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over.
- In a bowl, mix the frozen strawberries with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, lemon juice, corn starch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add ⅓ cup granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the top and use a knife to create a swirling effect.
- Bake for about 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
For a fresher flavor, use fresh strawberries instead of frozen if in season.
Allow the cheesecake bars to chill completely to set properly before cutting for clean slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg