Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars  

Servings: 12 bars  

Calories per serving: ~280 kcal  

Ingredients:  

For the Crust: 

- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs  

- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted  

- 2 tbsp granulated sugar  

For the Cheesecake Layer: 

- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened  

- ½ cup granulated sugar  

- 1 tsp vanilla extract  

- 2 large eggs  

- ¼ cup sour cream  

For the Strawberry Swirl: 

- ¾ cup fresh strawberries, hulled & chopped  

- 1 tbsp lemon juice  

- 2 tbsp granulated sugar  

Directions:  

1.  Prep:  

   - Preheat oven to  325°F (160°C) . Line an  8x8-inch baking pan  with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.  

2.  Make the Crust:  

   - Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the pan.  

   - Bake for  8 minutes , then cool slightly.  

3.  Strawberry Swirl:

   - In a saucepan, cook strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar over medium heat for  5–7 minutes  until thickened. Mash slightly, cool, then puree.  

4. Cheesecake Filling:  

   - Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, eggs, and sour cream, mixing just until combined (don’t overmix).  

5. Assemble:  

   - Pour filling over the cooled crust. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry puree on top and swirl with a knife/toothpick.  

6.  Bake & Chill: 

   - Bake for  35–40 minutes  until the center is set and edges are golden.  

   - Cool completely, then refrigerate for  at least 3 hours  (or overnight).  

7. Serve:  

   - Slice into bars and enjoy chilled!  

---

Time Breakdown:  

- Prep: 20 mins  

- Baking: 40 mins  

- Chilling: 3 hours  

- Total: 4 hours  

---

Tips:  

- Room-temperature ingredients prevent lumps in the cheesecake.  

- Don’t overbake—the center should wobble slightly when shaken.  

- For cleaner slices, wipe the knife between cuts.  

Enjoy your creamy, fruity cheesecake bars.