Savor the delightful fusion of tangy strawberries and creamy cheesecake with our Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. This dessert is a layered marvel, featuring a crunchy graham cracker base, a velvety cheesecake middle, and a vibrant strawberry topping. Each bar is a bite-sized taste of heaven, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 12 graham crackers
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz. plain cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Crust Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Pulse graham crackers and sugar in a food processor, then blend in melted butter. Press firmly into the baking dish.
- Strawberry Topping:
- Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes. Help break down the strawberries with a spoon. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Cheesecake Layer:
- Mix cream cheese, yogurt, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the crust.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Dollop half of the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer. Swirl gently. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
Notes:
- Adjust the amount of strawberry topping based on preference. You can add more or less than half, as desired.
- Ensure all ingredients for the cheesecake filling are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes Yield: 9-12 bars
Serving Suggestion: Serve these bars chilled, either as a standalone dessert or accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information: Calories are estimated per bar.
