Introduction
When it comes to desserts, cheesecake often tops the list for its rich, creamy texture and delightful flavor. This strawberry cheesecake bars recipe combines the tangy sweetness of strawberries with a smooth cheesecake filling, all set on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Crust:
– 8 graham crackers
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– ¼ cup melted butter
Strawberry Swirl:
– 1½ cups sliced strawberries
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons sugar
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
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Yield
12 bars
Instructions
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, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter; mix 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 prepared pan to form the crust.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until golden.
Strawberry Swirl:
1. Puree the sliced strawberries in a food processor to your desired consistency.
2. Transfer the strawberry puree to a small saucepan.
3. Add the cornstarch and lemon juice to the saucepan; stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
6. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Cheesecake Filling:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ⅔ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the sour cream, eggs, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Assemble:
1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Spoon dollops of the cooled strawberry sauce over the cheesecake 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 cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
Store any leftover strawberry cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy this delightful dessert with family and friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
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, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter; mix 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 prepared pan to form the crust.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until golden.
Strawberry Swirl:
1. Puree the sliced strawberries in a food processor to your desired consistency.
2. Transfer the strawberry puree to a small saucepan.
3. Add the cornstarch and lemon juice to the saucepan; stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
6. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Cheesecake Filling:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ⅔ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the sour cream, eggs, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Assemble:
1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Spoon dollops of the cooled strawberry sauce over the cheesecake 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 cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
Storage:
– Store any leftover strawberry cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook techniques
Crushing Graham Crackers
Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs for an even crust texture.
Combining Ingredients for Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until well combined.
Baking the Crust
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
Pureeing Strawberries
Blend sliced strawberries in a food processor until you reach your desired consistency for the strawberry swirl.
Cooking Strawberry Swirl
Combine the strawberry puree with cornstarch and lemon juice in a saucepan, cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
Beating Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth for the cheesecake filling.
Incorporating Eggs and Sour Cream
Add sour cream, eggs, and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture, beating until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Swirling Strawberry Sauce
Dollop the cooled strawberry sauce over the cheesecake filling and use a butter knife to create a marbled effect.
Baking the Cheesecake
Bake in the center of the oven until the center is set, which typically takes about 30 minutes.
FAQ
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is set, and it should no longer jiggle when gently shaken.
Can I substitute graham crackers for another type of crust?
Yes, you can use other types of cookies or crust alternatives, such as Oreos or a nut crust.
How long should I refrigerate the cheesecake before cutting?
It’s best to refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours to ensure it sets properly.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the swirl?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, just ensure they are thawed and drained before pureeing.
How should I store leftover cheesecake bars?
Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the creamy texture of the cheesecake with the vibrant flavor of the strawberry swirl. This recipe showcases a simple yet effective crust made from graham crackers, while the topping allows for a lovely presentation and taste. Enjoy these bars as a refreshing treat for any occasion!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Fruit Swirl Variations
Try substituting strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mango for different flavor profiles.
Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Incorporate melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling or create a chocolate crust using crushed chocolate cookies.
Citrus Infusion
Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Top the cooled cheesecake bars with a layer of cream cheese frosting for added richness and sweetness.
Nutty Crust Option
Mix crushed nuts such as almonds or pecans with the graham cracker crumbs for a crunchy alternative to the crust.
Seasonal Spices
Incorporate seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the cheesecake for a warm, spicy flavor that fits holiday themes.
