Introduction
This strawberry cheesecake bars recipe combines the delicious flavors of creamy cheesecake with a fresh strawberry swirl, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful dessert at home, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.
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
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield
16 bars
Directions
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor.
– In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of 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 the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until golden. Remove and let it cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:**
– In a food processor, blend the sliced strawberries to your desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky).
– Transfer the blended strawberries to a small saucepan. Add the cornstarch and lemon juice, stirring until the cornstarch dissolves.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add 2 tablespoons of 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.
3. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ⅔ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
4. **Assemble and Bake:**
– Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
– Spoon dollops of the cooled strawberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the strawberry sauce into the cheesecake filling, creating a marbled effect.
– Bake in the center of the 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.
Storage
Store any leftover strawberry cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Crust
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor.
– In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of 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 the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until golden. Remove and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Strawberry Swirl
– In a food processor, blend the sliced strawberries to your desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky).
– Transfer the blended strawberries to a small saucepan. Add the cornstarch and lemon juice, stirring until the cornstarch dissolves.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add 2 tablespoons of 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 of sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Bake
– Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
– Spoon dollops of the cooled strawberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the strawberry sauce into the cheesecake filling, creating a marbled effect.
– Bake in the center of the 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.
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
Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor for a smooth crust. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Mixing Crust Ingredients
Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until the mixture holds together when pressed.
Baking the Crust
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake until golden for a firm base.
Blending Strawberries
Use a food processor to blend sliced strawberries until you reach your desired consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
Cooking the Strawberry Swirl
In a saucepan, combine blended strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes clear, ensuring the cornstarch is fully activated.
Mixing Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Swirling Strawberry Sauce
Spoon dollops of cooled strawberry sauce over the cheesecake filling and use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the mixture for a marbled look.
Baking the Cheesecake Bars
Bake the cheesecake in the center of the oven until the center is set, which typically takes about 30 minutes, ensuring the bars hold their shape.
Cooling and Refrigerating
After baking, allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits for the swirl?
Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even a mixture of fruits.
What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
You can use digestive biscuits, oat cookies, or even crushed nuts mixed with a binding agent like melted butter.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is set and slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake bars a day in advance. They keep well in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover strawberry cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Indulging in strawberry cheesecake bars is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert with vibrant flavors. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious strawberry swirl creates a perfect balance that is sure to please any palate. These bars are not only visually appealing but also simple to make, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Substitute strawberries with fresh blueberries for a delightful twist on the recipe, maintaining the same base and cheesecake mixture.
Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake
Incorporate melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling, and create a chocolate swirl using chocolate sauce on top for a rich, decadent dessert.
Raspberry and Lemon Cheesecake
Use fresh raspberries instead of strawberries and add lemon zest to enhance the tartness in both the filling and the swirl.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Replace half of the cream cheese with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice to create a seasonal favorite, perfect for fall.
Nutty Crust Option
Mix crushed nuts such as pecans or walnuts with the graham cracker crumbs to add an additional layer of flavor and crunch to the crust.
Peach Swirl Cheesecake
Swap strawberries with ripe peaches and create a peach swirl for a summer-themed cheesecake treat.
Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake
Incorporate matcha powder into the cheesecake filling for a unique, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Coconut Cream Cheesecake
Add shredded coconut to the cheesecake filling and use coconut milk as part of the cream cheese mixture for a tropical flair.
