Description
Cool, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, these no-bake cheesecake bars are the ultimate warm-weather dessert. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake, and a homemade strawberry topping, they’re perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a treat-yourself night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Layer:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (around 12 full crackers)
- â…“ cup white sugar
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 cups cream cheese (softened to room temp)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries (hulled first)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Build the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base of a 9×9-inch square pan (or a 9-inch round pan), using the back of a spoon or your fingers to get a nice even layer.
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you work on the next layer.
- Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
- Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—don’t overdo it!
- Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture, combining until the filling is smooth and airy.
- Spoon the filling over the chilled crust and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Cook the Strawberry Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally as the berries cook down and release their juices, about 5–7 minutes.
- Once the mixture turns thick and syrupy, remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- (For a smoother finish, mash with a fork or give it a quick blitz in a blender.)
- Assemble the Bars
- Once the strawberry topping is cool, spoon it gently over the cheesecake layer, spreading evenly to cover the surface.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours—or overnight for best results—until fully set.
- Slice and Serve
- When you’re ready to dig in, cut into neat squares or bars and serve chilled. These bars are sweet, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible!
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-bake