Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars with Fresh Strawberry Twist are a delightful dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself, these cheesecake bars are sure to impress everyone. They offer a rich and creamy texture, balanced with the fresh, fruity taste of strawberries. With their simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars make it easy to indulge in a delicious homemade dessert.
How to Make Creamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars with Fresh Strawberry Twist
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs (Substitution: Use crushed digestive biscuits for a different flavor.)
- 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar (Consider using a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie version.)
- 0.5 cups Butter (melted) (Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels.)
- 16 oz Cream Cheese (softened) (Ensure it is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.)
- 0.5 cups Sour Cream (Greek yogurt can be used for a similar tang and texture.)
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract (Use vanilla bean paste for a more fragrant result.)
- 2 large Eggs (Room temperature eggs mix better into the batter.)
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries (chopped) (Other berries like raspberries or blueberries can also work well.)
- 0.25 cups Sugar (Adjust based on the sweetness of the fruit.)
- 0.5 cups Water
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Fresh lemon juice is preferable for flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Substitution: Arrowroot can be used as a thickener instead.)
- 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (Milk chocolate or dark chocolate can be used for different flavor profiles.)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring frequently.
- Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Creamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars with Fresh Strawberry Twist
Serve these cheesecake bars chilled for the best flavor and texture. You can garnish them with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch. These bars are perfect for sliced servings, making them easy to share at parties or gatherings.
How to Store Creamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars with Fresh Strawberry Twist
Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 4-5 days. You can also freeze them by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Creamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars with Fresh Strawberry Twist
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Mix the strawberry topping until it thickens to avoid a watery layer on top of your cheesecake.
- For a sweeter or tangier flavor, adjust the amount of sugar and lemon juice in the strawberry sauce to your taste.
Variation
You can explore different flavors by replacing strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Each fruit will give a unique twist to the cheesecake bars.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought crust instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust if you want to save time.
2. Can I make these cheesecake bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs to make these bars gluten-free.
3. What should I do if I want to make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to let them cool completely before refrigerating.
Creamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars with Fresh Strawberry Twist
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert featuring creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar
- 0.5 cups Butter (melted)
- 16 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 0.5 cups Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries (chopped)
- 0.25 cups Sugar
- 0.5 cups Water
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 cup White Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, and press into the bottom of the baking dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Serve chilled and garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American