Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a love for creamy, fruity desserts, you absolutely cannot miss this Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars bring together the rich, velvety texture of Philadelphia cream cheese with the vibrant freshness of ripe strawberries in a perfectly balanced, easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert at your next gathering, these cheesecake bars hit all the right notes with their buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cheesecake filling, and the freshest strawberry topping. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this delightful dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture. From the crumbly graham cracker base to the smooth cream cheese filling and the tangy strawberry topping, every ingredient adds a unique touch to this dessert masterpiece.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a buttery, crunchy base that holds the dessert together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, balancing the tartness of the strawberries.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
- Philadelphia cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that gives the cheesecake filling its signature creaminess and tang.
- Sour cream: Adds extra smoothness and a subtle tang, enhancing the cheesecake texture.
- Eggs: Bind and firm up the filling while making it silky smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the creamy filling.
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: The fresh fruit topping bursting with bright color and natural sweetness.
- Lemon juice: Adds a hint of citrus brightness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Cornstarch mixture: Thickens the strawberry topping to a perfect glaze-like consistency.
How to Make Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave overhang on the sides. This lining makes lifting out the bars so much easier once they’re baked and chilled.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the crumbs are fully coated and hold together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake it for 10 minutes to set the crust, then take it out and let it cool while you make the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract, ensuring the filling is silky. Then, add eggs one at a time, combining at low speed just until mixed—this will keep your filling light and luscious.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Layer
Pour the filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly so each bite has a perfect balance. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes; the cheesecake should be mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
While the cheesecake chills, make the strawberry topping by combining chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until thickened into a luscious glaze. Let this cool completely before spreading.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once the cheesecake bars are well chilled, evenly spread the cooled strawberry topping on top. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert from the pan, then cut into squares or bars. Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe!
How to Serve Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to elevate your cheesecake bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds for added texture. Fresh mint leaves make a beautiful, fragrant garnish that complements the strawberry topping perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars are rich and flavorful enough to shine on their own, but if you want to create a fuller dessert experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond classic bars! You can cut these into bite-sized squares for an elegant party platter or serve them with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce for an extra touch of decadence. Layering broken bars in a parfait glass with fresh strawberries and whipped cream is another fun idea to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After savoring your homemade Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making it a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cheesecake bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen properly, they can last up to 2 months without losing their creamy texture or strawberry flavor.
Reheating
Cheesecake bars are best enjoyed chilled, so simply thaw frozen bars overnight in the fridge. You don’t want to heat them as that would compromise the texture. However, letting them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving will bring out the full bouquet of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are not available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid making the topping too watery.
Why did my cheesecake filling crack?
Cracks usually happen when the oven temperature is too high or the cheesecake is overbaked. In this recipe, baking at 325°F and aiming for a slightly jiggly center will help prevent cracking.
Can I substitute sour cream?
You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt in this recipe for a slightly lighter texture, but keep the quantities the same to maintain the creamy consistency.
How do I get clean slices when cutting cheesecake bars?
Chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to achieve neat, smooth slices without crumbling.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors develop beautifully when refrigerated overnight, making this Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the harmonious blend of creamy Philadelphia cream cheese and fresh strawberries in this Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It’s approachable enough for any home baker yet impressive enough to steal the show at any occasion. Give it a try and discover how this simple recipe can bring a burst of summer sweetness and a touch of indulgence to your dessert table!
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Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these creamy Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a luscious homemade strawberry topping. Perfectly baked and chilled to set, these bars offer a sweet treat combining rich texture and fresh fruit flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and mix until combined. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Make Strawberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until strawberries release their juices and mixture begins to boil. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue cooking until the topping thickens. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Assemble: Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the cooled strawberry topping evenly over the top. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the baking dish. Slice into bars and serve.
- Store: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; it’s done when the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
- Chilling the cheesecake for several hours or overnight helps it firm up for easier slicing.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
