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Make-Ahead Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

make-ahead strawberry cheesecake bars - featured image
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Creamy, fruity, and sturdy strawberry cheesecake bars that can be made days in advance, perfect for Memorial Day gatherings and summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (150g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
  • 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (85g)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (450g)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • ½ cup sour cream (120g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (300g)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (38g)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line your 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until combined. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each. Do not overmix.
  4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan.
  5. While the cheesecake bakes, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water, and cook for another minute until syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then spread the strawberry topping evenly over the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
  7. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve chilled or slightly warmed.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Do not overbake; the center should jiggle slightly when done. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill bars overnight for best slicing and flavor. Fresh strawberries preferred but frozen can be used if thawed and drained. Variations include berry mix, chocolate swirl, and crust alternatives like vanilla wafers or gingersnaps. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake bars, make-ahead dessert, Memorial Day dessert, easy cheesecake bars, summer dessert, no-fuss cheesecake

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/make-ahead-strawberry-cheesecake-bars-easy-recipe-for-memorial-day-gatherings/