Heavenly Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Delightful cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs for texture and structure
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted adds moisture and richness
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar sweetens the crust
For the filling
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each, room temperature) for creaminess
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) binds the mixture
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar sweetens the filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt balances sweetness
- 2 cups freshly diced strawberries adds freshness and moisture
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour provides structure
- 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed adds a hint of caramel flavor
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt balances flavor
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted adds richness to the crumble
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Firmly press it into the bottom of the lined baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the freshly diced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the strawberries.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until set and lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least another hour before serving.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and press the crust firmly into the dish. Allow to chill properly for best texture.