Creamy cheesecake bars topped with vibrant strawberry glaze and sweet white chocolate drizzle. A festive twist on a classic dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent and Creamy: The rich cheesecake filling melts in your mouth and is perfectly balanced by the light strawberry topping.
Visually Appealing: The bright red strawberries and elegant white chocolate drizzle make these bars stunning on any dessert table.
Simple Yet Impressive: These bars are easy to prepare but look and taste like they came from a bakery.
Perfect for Gatherings: Great for holidays, birthdays, or potlucks—easy to slice and serve.
Flexible Flavors: Works well with both fresh strawberries and pie filling, depending on the season or your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs
Butter (melted)
Cream cheese
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Strawberry pie filling or fresh strawberries
White chocolate drizzle (optional)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Assemble: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top. If using pie filling, spoon it over the top and swirl gently with a knife. If using fresh strawberries, reserve them for topping after baking.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up.
Top and Drizzle: Once chilled, top with fresh sliced strawberries if desired. Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the bars.
Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping clean between cuts for neat edges.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours

Variations

Mixed Berry: Use a combination of blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry pie filling.
Chocolate Crust: Substitute chocolate cookie crumbs for the graham crackers.
Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds to the crust for texture.
Citrus Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the filling for brightness.
Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for individual servings—adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving: Best served chilled. For a softer texture, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the bars may be less creamy and slightly less rich in flavor.

How can I keep the crust from crumbling?

Make sure the butter is fully mixed with the crumbs and press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking.

Is it okay to use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes. Top the baked, cooled bars with fresh strawberries before drizzling with white chocolate.

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely. These bars are perfect for making a day ahead since chilling is required.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer?

Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake. Allow the bars to cool gradually.

What’s the best way to drizzle the white chocolate?

Use a spoon or piping bag with a small tip. Melted chocolate should be smooth and not too thick.

Can I add more toppings?

Yes, crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or a chocolate ganache drizzle are all great additions.

How do I slice the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Is a water bath necessary?

No. These bars are thin enough to bake evenly without a water bath.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are an ideal dessert for both casual get-togethers and elegant events. With their rich flavor, creamy texture, and striking presentation, they strike a perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Prepare ahead, personalize with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a timeless treat that’s sure to delight.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

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These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, dreamy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping. Finished with an optional white chocolate drizzle, they’re a festive and easy twist on a classic favorite!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: ~4 hours
Yield: 9 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

1 cup strawberry pie filling or fresh strawberries, sliced
White chocolate, melted (optional, for drizzling)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight).
Top with strawberry pie filling or fresh sliced strawberries.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired. Slice into bars and serve chilled.

Notes

Use a hot knife to slice clean bars.
Bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Swap strawberries for blueberries or cherries for a seasonal twist.