Okay, lets talk about cheesecake bars! They're easier to make than a full cheesecake, and are super portable, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a delightful treat on a warm afternoon. And these Strawberry Luxe Cheesecake Bars? Forget about it! They're next-level delicious, combining a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet, juicy strawberries in every single bite. Trust me, they’re a total crowd-pleaser. My neighbor, bless her heart, practically begs me to make them for every neighborhood get-together. It’s kinda flattering, kinda annoying. Haha!
What sets these bars apart? It's all about the quality of ingredients, the balance of flavors, and the perfect bake. I’m super picky about my strawberries, always opting for the ripest, juiciest ones I can find, usually from the local farmer's market. A little tip: macerating the strawberries in a touch of sugar for about 15 minutes before using them intensifies their flavor and makes them extra delicious. Honestly, sometimes I just stand at the counter and snack on them while I'm waiting, hehe. Can anyone else relate?
Required Equipments
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
Strawberry Luxe Cheesecake Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry Luxe Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the simplicity of Strawberry Luxe Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy, sweet strawberries. These portable treats are easier to make than a traditional cheesecake and perfect for any occasion!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 16 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper too, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal later. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. It should be nice and even.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes. This helps it set up and prevents it from getting soggy later on. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, or you'll end up with lumps! It can be so frustrating.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can cause the cheesecake to crack.
- Gently fold in the sour cream until just combined. This adds a touch of tanginess and richness to the filling. Don't skip it!
- Hull and halve or quarter your strawberries, depending on their size. You want them to be bite-sized.
- Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Arrange half of the strawberries evenly over the filling. Pour the remaining filling over the strawberries and then arrange the remaining strawberries on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The jiggle is good! It means it’ll be perfectly creamy once it cools.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking. Then, remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set completely and develop its flavors.
- When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Aren't they pretty?
📝 Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.
- If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can crush whole graham crackers in a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- To prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the filling, toss them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before adding them.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 80mg
