Introduction
Indulge in the delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries with this easy-to-follow recipe for strawberry cheesecake bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to please everyone at the table. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious strawberry swirl, and a velvety cheesecake filling, they are a summertime treat that can be enjoyed year-round.
Ingredients
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
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 20 minutes
Yield
16 bars
Enjoy the rich flavors and textural contrast of these strawberry cheesecake bars, perfect for dessert lovers of all ages! The thoughtful combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling makes for a fantastic dessert that is both beautiful and delicious.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Process the graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
– In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
– Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
– Bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:
– In a food processor or using a masher, process the sliced strawberries to your desired consistency.
– Transfer the strawberry mixture to a small saucepan. Add the cornstarch and lemon juice, stirring until the cornstarch dissolves.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes clear, indicating the cornstarch is fully cooked.
– Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ⅔ cup sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
Assemble and Bake:
– Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
– Spoon dollops of the cooled strawberry sauce over the cheesecake filling. Use a butter knife to swirl the strawberry sauce into the filling, creating a marbled effect.
– Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the center is set.
– Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
– Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
Storage:
– Store any leftover strawberry cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cutting Tips:
– For clean slices, run a knife under hot water before cutting.
Cook techniques
Processing Graham Crackers
To create the graham cracker crust, use a food processor to pulse the graham crackers until they become fine crumbs. This ensures a smooth texture for the crust.
Combining Crust Ingredients
Mix the processed graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until fully combined. This creates a cohesive mixture that can be firmly pressed into the baking pan.
Baking the Crust
Bake the crust in a preheated oven until it is golden brown. This step firms up the crust and enhances its flavor.
Preparing Strawberry Swirl
For the strawberry swirl, blend sliced strawberries using a food processor or masher. This can be adjusted to your preferred texture, whether smooth or chunky.
Thickening the Strawberry Mixture
Cook the strawberry mixture with cornstarch and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens and becomes clear, indicating that the cornstarch is cooked properly.
Mixing Cheesecake Filling
Use a large mixing bowl to beat softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs, and lemon juice. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined for the best cheesecake texture.
Creating the Marble Effect
When assembling the cheesecake, pour the filling over the crust and add dollops of strawberry sauce. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the sauce into the filling to create a marbled appearance.
Baking the Cheesecake
Bake the assembled cheesecake in the center of the oven until the center is set. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency in the cheesecake.
Cooling and Refrigerating
Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature after baking, and then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This helps the cheesecake set properly and enhances the flavors.
FAQ
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for the swirl?
Yes, fresh strawberries can be used for the swirl; they will provide a natural sweetness and flavor.
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
You can substitute graham crackers with crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer cookies.
How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
To minimize cracking, make sure to avoid overmixing the filling, and bake the cheesecake in a water bath if desired.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the cheesecake bars?
For clean slices, run a knife under hot water before cutting the cheesecake bars, then wipe the knife clean between cuts.
Conclusion
These scrumptious strawberry cheesecake bars offer a delightful balance of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry swirl, anchored by a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat for yourself, they are sure to impress with their flavor and presentation.
Alternative Fruit Swirls
Consider substituting the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for unique variations, each providing a distinct flavor profile to match your preference.
Chocolate Chip Addition
Add chocolate chips or chunks to the cheesecake filling for a rich contrast to the fruity swirl, creating a decadent chocolate-strawberry experience.
Citrus Twist
Incorporate orange or lime zest into the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus note, enhancing the overall flavor while maintaining the refreshing fruit essence.
Nutty Crust Variation
Replace some graham cracker crumbs with finely chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake.
Mini Cheesecake Bites
Transform the recipe into mini cheesecake bites using a muffin tin. This allows for easy serving and makes for a fun presentation at parties or events.
Seasonal Spices
Experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the cheesecake filling for an autumn-inspired dessert that warms the palate with cozy flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert experience that elevates the strawberry cheesecake bars to a delightful treat.
