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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars for BBQ Sweets Treats


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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.)
  4. 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.
  5. 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