Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

These Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on classic cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy strawberry-infused cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries folded in for bursts of sweetness, these bars are perfect for parties, picnics, or indulging at home. Easy to make and even easier to love, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert!

Prep Time

• 15 minutes

Cook Time

• 30–35 minutes

Chill Time

• 2 hours

Total Time

• 3 hours

Servings

• 9 bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) .
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs , ¼ cup sugar , and melted butter . Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to smooth it out.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs , one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries , being careful not to overmix to avoid breaking them apart too much.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes , or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. A slight jiggle in the center is okay—it will firm up as it cools.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

1. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
2. Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the bars to set fully.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Once chilled, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) or carefully cut them directly in the dish.
2. Slice into 9 even squares and serve. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries or whipped cream if desired.

Pro Tips

• Strawberry Sauce Option: For an extra burst of flavor, blend half of the strawberries into a puree before folding them into the cheesecake batter.
• Crust Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or swap graham crackers for crushed digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days . These bars can also be frozen for up to 1 month —wrap individually and thaw in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Bar, based on 9 bars)

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a sturdy base, while the cheesecake filling is rich and velvety, studded with fresh strawberries for a fruity twist. They’re easy to make, portable, and absolutely irresistible.

Ready to whip up these decadent bars? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and utterly delightful—it’s like springtime on a plate!