Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistible, strawberry cheesecake bars are the perfect choice. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a refreshing strawberry swirl, these bars are sure to please any crowd. Perfect for any occasion, they bring together the classic flavors of cheesecake with the sweetness of strawberries for a delicious treat.
Ingredients with Measures
For the Crust:
– 8 graham crackers
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– ¼ cup melted butter
For the Strawberry Swirl:
– 1½ cups sliced strawberries
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
– 8 ounces softened cream cheese
– ⅔ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ⅓ cup sour cream
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Prep Time
Preparation for this recipe takes approximately 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to gather your ingredients and set up your workspace before diving into the baking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cake will require about 40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can expect the entire process to take around 1 hour, with the final yield being approximately 12 delicious strawberry cheesecake bars. Enjoy your homemade sweet treats!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor.
3. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the melted butter until well combined.
4. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
5. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
6. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it turns golden.
Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:
1. Blend or mash the sliced strawberries to your desired consistency.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberry mixture with cornstarch and lemon juice, stirring until the cornstarch dissolves.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes clear, indicating the cornstarch is fully cooked.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ⅔ cup sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Bake:
1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Spoon dollops of the cooled strawberry sauce on top of the filling.
3. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the strawberry sauce into the cheesecake filling, creating a marbled effect.
4. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, or until the center is set.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
Storage:
Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Optional Garnish:
Consider garnishing with fresh strawberries or whipped cream before serving for added decoration and flavor.
Texture:
Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling, avoiding lumps.
Cook techniques
Crushing Graham Crackers
Using a food processor is the most efficient way to achieve fine crumbs for the crust. If you don’t have one, place the graham crackers in a zip-top bag and hit them with a rolling pin until crushed.
Mixing the Crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs with granulated sugar and melted butter thoroughly to ensure an even texture. This mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when pressed into the pan.
Baking the Crust
Baking the crust at 350°F (175°C) helps firm it up and gives it a golden color, which adds flavor and texture to the final dessert.
Preparing Strawberry Swirl
Blend or mash the strawberries according to your preferred consistency. This determines the texture of the swirl in the cheesecake.
Thickening Mixture
Cooking the strawberry mixture with cornstarch and sugar until it thickens ensures that the swirl sets properly in the cheesecake. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Beating Cream Cheese
Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing. Beat it until smooth and creamy for a rich filling texture.
Swirling the Strawberry Sauce
Gently swirling the strawberry sauce into the cheesecake filling creates a visually appealing marbled effect while ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
Baking the Cheesecake
Bake the cheesecake in the center of the oven to ensure even heat distribution. The center should be set but slightly jiggle when done for the perfect texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cracker for the crust?
Yes, you can use other types of cookies or crackers, such as Oreo cookies or digestive biscuits, for a different flavor.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creaminess.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
How can I store the cheesecake bars?
Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Is it necessary to let the cheesecake cool completely before slicing?
Yes, letting the cheesecake cool completely helps it set further, making it easier to slice without cracking.
Conclusion
The strawberry cheesecake bars offer a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and a tangy strawberry swirl, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its smooth texture and fruity topping, this dessert is sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy each bite of this homemade treat, and feel free to share or keep it all to yourself!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake
Replace the strawberry mixture with melted chocolate for a rich chocolate swirl cheesecake.
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
Substitute strawberries for fresh blueberries and add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
Peanut Butter Swirl Cheesecake
Incorporate smooth peanut butter into the cheesecake filling and swirl in some chocolate sauce for a deliciously decadent dessert.
Espresso Cheesecake
Add instant espresso powder to the cheesecake filling for a coffee-flavored twist, perfect for coffee lovers.
Coconut Lime Cheesecake
Mix shredded coconut and lime zest into the cheesecake filling for a tropical flavor experience.
