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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 21 reviews

These strawberry cheesecake bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling swirled with sweet strawberry preserves. Perfectly balanced in flavor with a lightly tangy cheesecake and a romantic strawberry swirl, these bars make a delightful treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. They are beginner-friendly as they require no water bath and are easy to prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • ½ cup strawberry preserves

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to easily lift the bars after baking.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix well until all crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact base.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ¾ cup granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
  4. Add eggs and flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture while continuously mixing. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated to give the filling a balanced, sweet aroma.
  5. Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crust in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer.
  6. Add strawberry swirl: Drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves evenly over the cheesecake layer. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the preserves into the filling to create a marbled effect without blending completely.
  7. Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  8. Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to firm up before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling without lumps.
  • Do not over-swirl the strawberry preserves to keep beautiful marbled patterns.
  • Chilling the bars for several hours improves slicing and enhances flavor melding.
  • This recipe does not require a water bath, which simplifies baking and reduces prep time.
  • Use an 8×8-inch pan for the correct thickness; adjust baking time if using a different size.

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, strawberry swirl cheesecake, easy cheesecake dessert, Valentine’s Day dessert, no water bath cheesecake

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/strawberry-cheesecake-bars-recipe/