Description
Indulge in these Creamy Cheesecake Bars with Strawberries—a dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cheesecake filling, and vibrant strawberry compote. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to serve, stunning to look at, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs – 1 ½ cups
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese – 16 oz, softened
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Sour cream – ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
- Eggs – 2, room temperature
For the Strawberry Compote:
- Fresh strawberries – 1 ¾ cups, chopped
- Sugar – 5 tbsp
- Water – 3 tbsp
- Lemon juice – ½ tbsp
- Cornstarch – 2 tsp
For the Topping:
- White chocolate – ¼ cup, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick spray.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
- Make the Strawberry Compote
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Allow the compote to cool completely in the refrigerator.
- Slice and Decorate
- Once the cheesecake has cooled, slice it into bars of your desired size.
- Spoon the strawberry compote onto each bar, creating a decorative topping.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Don’t Overbake: The center should jiggle slightly when you take it out of the oven; it will set as it cools.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool before slicing for the best texture and appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American