If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries, look no further! Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also easy to make. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from ingredients to baking tips, ensuring your bars turn out perfect every time. Plus, join our kitchen companion membership for more mouth-watering recipes!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box of graham crackers (about 27 crackers, crushed into fine crumbs)
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz. cream cheese, softened (3 blocks)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Compote:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Grocery List
To make your shopping easier, here’s a concise grocery list:
- Graham crackers
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Heavy whipping cream
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
Estimated Costs
The total cost for making Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can vary based on location and brand preferences. Here’s a rough estimate:
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Graham crackers | $3.00 |
| Unsalted butter | $2.50 |
| Granulated sugar | $1.00 |
| Cream cheese | $6.00 |
| Eggs | $2.00 |
| Sour cream | $1.50 |
| Heavy whipping cream | $2.00 |
| Vanilla extract | $3.00 |
| Fresh strawberries | $4.00 |
| Lemon juice | $0.50 |
| Cornstarch | $1.00 |
| Total | $26.50 |
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pulse until mixed.
- Pour in the melted butter and pulse until combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Make the Strawberry Compote:
- In a small saucepan, combine diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5–10 minutes until the strawberries break down.
- Stir in cornstarch and cook for another minute until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth it out evenly.
- Dollop half of the strawberry compote over the cheesecake layer and swirl it gently with a knife.
- Bake:
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes before refrigerating for at least 1 hour.
- Serve:
- Once chilled, slice into bars and serve with remaining strawberry compote drizzled on top.
Tips & Notes
- For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
- Feel free to substitute fresh strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Assuming this recipe yields about 16 bars:
- Calories: Approximately 220 per bar
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Bars as a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! Don’t forget to join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes and cooking tips!
