Looking for a refreshing dessert that’s equal parts creamy and fruity? These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety smooth cheesecake filling, and a glossy homemade strawberry topping. Whether you’re prepping for a summer picnic, holiday party, or just a sweet family treat, this simple make-ahead dessert is always a showstopper.
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Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
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Creamy and tangy cheesecake topped with real strawberry compote
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Easy to slice, serve, and store — ideal for gatherings
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Crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort
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Made with simple, accessible ingredients
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Perfect for spring, summer, or holiday dessert tables
Ingredients Breakdown
Crust Layer:
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs – Classic base with a crunchy texture.
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¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the crust just enough.
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crumbs for a firm, buttery layer.
Cheesecake Filling:
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16 oz cream cheese, softened – Smooth and tangy base for a velvety texture.
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½ cup granulated sugar – Balances the tartness of the cream cheese.
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2 large eggs – Helps the cheesecake set while staying creamy.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
Strawberry Topping:
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1½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped – Bursting with natural sweetness and color.
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¼ cup granulated sugar – Enhances the strawberry flavor.
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1 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup water – Thickens the topping into a glossy fruit layer.
Tips and Tricks
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Make it extra creamy by using room-temperature ingredients.
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Avoid overbaking — cheesecake should have a slight jiggle in the center.
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Chill completely for clean slices and best texture.
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Use a hot knife to slice for cleaner edges.
Variations and Customizations
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Blueberry or Raspberry Topping: Swap strawberries for your favorite berries
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Swirl In Jam: Add strawberry jam or preserves directly into the cheesecake layer for extra flavor
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Chocolate Crust: Use crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust
Pairing Suggestions
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Fresh Mint Tea or a fruity white wine
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Vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream
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Lemonade or Sparkling Water with sliced strawberries
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
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Freezer: Freeze uncut bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge
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To Serve from Frozen: Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing
Popular Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Yes, just thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture. The texture may be slightly softer, but it will still taste great.
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Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time by 5–10 minutes.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare up to 2 days in advance and keep chilled until ready to serve
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert! Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant homemade strawberry topping, they’re sweet, simple, and sure to impress at any gathering or weeknight treat.
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Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
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In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter.
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Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Layer
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In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until completely smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and spread evenly.
4. Bake the Cheesecake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool completely at room temperature.
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5. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
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In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and water.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (5–7 minutes).
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Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Assemble and Chill
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Spread the cooled strawberry topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
7. Slice and Serve
Use the parchment overhang to lift bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve chilled
Notes
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For a clean, bakery-style presentation, wipe your knife between each slice.
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You can use a food processor to pulse the graham crackers into crumbs quickly.
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Adjust sweetness in the topping to taste depending on your strawberries’ natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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