Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who adores the silky richness of cheesecake paired with vibrant strawberry flavor. Each bite offers a creamy texture, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a gorgeous berry swirl that feels like summer in dessert form. This recipe is a personal gem that always brightens gatherings, picnics, and cozy nights alike. With simple prep and a dazzling look, these cheesecake bars are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars lies in their simple, no-fuss ingredients, each working behind the scenes to build layers of flavor and luscious texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece is essential for achieving that perfect bite:
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the crisp, toasty base that stays sturdy under all the creamy layers.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the right touch of sweetness to both the crust and filling, balancing the tangy cream cheese and bright strawberries.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the graham crumbs together and lends the crust a rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Philadelphia cream cheese (softened): The superstar ingredient, giving the bars their signature velvety cheesecake texture and slight tang.
- Eggs: Help the cheesecake set into tidy, sliceable bars while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic notes that keep the flavor balanced.
- Sour cream: Makes the filling extra smooth and adds a delicate tang for depth.
- Strawberry preserves or jam: Swirled into the cheesecake, it creates beautiful ribbons of sweet, intense strawberry flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for topping): The perfect finishing touch for color, freshness, and a vibrant burst of strawberry on top.
How to Make Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides—this will help you lift out the bars effortlessly later. In a mixing bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and the melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are moistened, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, and let it cool ever so slightly while you move on to the filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
While the crust is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Next, add ½ cup granulated sugar, the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Beat everything together until you have a silky, well-combined batter that already smells delicious.
Step 3: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth the top. Now the fun part: spoon small dollops of strawberry preserves or jam on top of the cream cheese layer. Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the berry preserves through the cheesecake, creating beautiful marbled ribbons. If the preserves seem too thick, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to make swirling a breeze.
Step 4: Bake and Set
Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just barely set with a slight jiggle (don’t worry, it will firm up as it cools). Let the cheesecake bars cool at room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This wait is the key to that classic cheesecake texture we all crave!
Step 5: Slice and Top
Once fully chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake slab out of the pan. Slice into neat bars and, if you’d like, finish with a scattering of fresh strawberries right before serving. Now, all that’s left is to dig in and share the deliciousness!
How to Serve Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
Top your chilled cheesecake bars with a tumble of fresh strawberry slices or even a sprig of mint for a pretty, inviting finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch—especially if you’re serving these at a special gathering. The pop of red from the strawberries makes each bar look irresistible!
Side Dishes
Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of lemonade. If you’re hosting, consider offering them alongside a summer fruit salad or crunchy biscotti for textural contrast. They make a fabulous finish to a backyard barbecue or picnic spread, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, arrange the bars on a tiered dessert stand with scoops of vanilla ice cream on the side. Serve mini bars in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats at parties, or layer cut-up pieces in dessert glasses with extra whipped cream and strawberries for a playful parfait. The presentation possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors deepen as they chill, making these bars even more delicious on day two or three—if you can resist that long!
Freezing
If you want to keep bars on hand for future cravings, freeze them! Place individual bars on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these bars—Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. If you like an extra creamy bite, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Just avoid microwaving to keep the texture velvety and intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, raspberry, blueberry, or even cherry preserves work beautifully in these cheesecake bars. Just be sure to use a quality jam that’s not too runny, or warm it slightly for easy swirling.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
For picture-perfect bars, use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing is key to those elegant, tidy squares.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! To double the recipe, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed (expect a few extra minutes in the oven). The bars set up just as beautifully for larger gatherings.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
You can use low-fat cream cheese, but full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese yields the dreamiest, creamiest texture. If you do go with low-fat, be mindful that the bars may be a bit less rich and velvety.
Can I make these Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars gluten free?
Definitely! Simply swap the regular graham cracker crumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so everyone can enjoy a bar or two.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a sweeter way to celebrate any season—or any occasion—than with a pan of Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. They’re easy, foolproof, and always impress, whether you’re baking for loved ones or sneaking a slice just for yourself. Go ahead, try them once and see how quickly they disappear—then come back and make them your own signature treat!
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Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry swirls, and a buttery graham cracker crust. A delightful dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Topping:
- 1 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- Fresh strawberries for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F, line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Mix crust ingredients, press into the pan, and bake.
- Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, add sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, mix until smooth. Pour over crust.
- Swirl and Bake: Spoon strawberry preserves, swirl, bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool, chill for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Lift out using parchment, slice into bars, and top with fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- For a cleaner swirl, warm the strawberry preserves slightly before adding.
- Full-fat cream cheese yields the creamiest texture.
- Bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
