I’ve always been a fan of rich, creamy cheesecakes, but sometimes I crave something easier to serve and share. That’s when I discovered Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars—a perfect balance of smooth Philadelphia Cream Cheese, buttery graham cracker crust, and sweet, juicy strawberries. Whether you need a treat for a party, a family gathering, or just a sweet indulgence, these bars are the answer!
The beauty of these Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars is that they offer all the deliciousness of a traditional cheesecake but in a convenient, easy-to-slice bar format. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for the velvety Philadelphia Cream Cheese filling, and the fresh strawberry topping adds a burst of fruity sweetness that takes them to the next level.
Ingredients to make the Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the cake pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat Philadelphia Cream Cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled cheesecake crust and spread evenly.
Bake & Cool:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly.
- Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight for best results).
Make the Strawberry Topping:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, strawberry jam, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook for about 4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and let it cool.
- Spread the strawberry topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
Slice & Serve:
- Lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and fruity strawberry goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe
Creamy & Dreamy – Made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese, these bars have an ultra-smooth and luscious texture.
Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just simple ingredients and effortless baking.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a summer picnic, holiday dessert, or a casual get-together, these cheesecake bars will impress!
Burst of Strawberry Flavor – Fresh strawberries add a naturally sweet and tangy touch, making every bite irresistible.
Great for Meal Prep – These cheesecake bars store well, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert!
Pro Tips for the Best Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – This helps create a silky-smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.
Don’t Overbake – The center should be slightly wobbly; it will firm up as it cools.
Chill Overnight – The flavors meld together beautifully when given time to set.
Try a Swirl! – For a fun twist, swirl some strawberry jam into the cheesecake batter before baking.
Use Quality Ingredients – The best Philadelphia Cream Cheese and fresh strawberries make all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before making the topping.
How long do these bars last?
You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! Freeze them (without the strawberry topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes! In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies.
Serving Suggestions for the Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
These Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect dessert moment!
For an elegant presentation, garnish each bar with a fresh strawberry slice and a mint leaf. If you love a little extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or toasted nuts on top for added texture.
Cheesecake bars variations to Try:
Want to put a twist on these classic bars? Try these variations:
- Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Add ½ cup of melted chocolate to the cheesecake batter for a rich chocolatey flavor.
- Berry Mix Cheesecake Bars: Instead of just strawberries, use a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
- Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Add extra lemon zest and juice to the filling for a tangy, citrusy boost.
- Oreo Cheesecake Bars: Swap the graham cracker crust for crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream-inspired dessert.
The perfect dessert for cheesecake lovers
These Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for cheesecake lovers who want a hassle-free, shareable treat. The creamy, tangy filling pairs beautifully with the buttery crust and sweet strawberry topping. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
