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Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
I'm excited to share my recipe for these amazing Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. They combine everything wonderful about a classic cheesecake but in an easy-to-serve bar form. That creamy Philadelphia cream cheese filling sits on a buttery graham cracker crust and gets topped with the most delicious strawberry layer. They're my go-to dessert when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why These Bars Are So Special
What I love about these bars is how they give you all that cheesecake goodness without needing a springform pan or water bath. The sweet strawberry topping perfectly balances the rich filling and that graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of crunch. They're so simple to make even my kids help out in the kitchen.
What You'll Need
- For That Perfect Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs crushed nice and fine
- Some sugar to sweeten things up
- Melted butter to hold it all together
- The Creamy Filling:
- Philadelphia cream cheese make sure it's nice and soft
- Sugar for sweetness
- Tangy sour cream
- Fresh eggs
- Pure vanilla extract
- That Beautiful Topping:
- Fresh juicy strawberries chopped up
- Sugar to bring out their sweetness
- Bright lemon juice
- Cornstarch mixed with water to thicken
Let's Make Some Cheesecake Bars
- Start With The Base:
- Heat your oven to 325°F line your pan then mix up those graham crumbs butter and sugar. Press it down nice and firm then give it a quick bake.
- Make It Creamy:
- Beat that cream cheese until it's silky smooth add your sugar sour cream vanilla and eggs. Pour it over your cooled crust and bake until just set.
- Create The Topping:
- Cook those strawberries with sugar and lemon add your cornstarch mixture and watch it get glossy.
- Put It All Together:
- Once everything's cool spread that strawberry layer on top cut into bars and chill until firm.
My Best Tips
- Patience Pays Off: Let them chill properly they'll taste even better.
- Mix It Up: Try different berries each one brings something special.
- Make Them Your Own: Need gluten-free? Just swap the graham crackers.
- Make Them Pretty: Fresh strawberry slices on top look beautiful.
Quick Answers
- Using Frozen Berries: They work great just thaw and drain them first.
- Going Gluten-Free: Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the base.
- Different Toppings: Any berry works beautifully here.
- Make Ahead: These are perfect for making the day before.
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Keep Them Fresh
- Store Smart: Keep them covered in the fridge they'll last about 5 days.
- Plan Ahead: Make them early they get even better overnight.
- Freeze Some: Wrap them well they'll freeze beautifully for a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why did my cheesecake crack?
Avoid overmixing after adding eggs and don't overbake. Let cool gradually in turned-off oven with door cracked.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain well before making topping to avoid excess liquid.
- → Why isn't my crust firm?
Press crumbs firmly into pan and pre-bake. Make sure butter is well mixed with crumbs.
- → How do I know when it's done?
Center should be slightly jiggly but set. Edges will be lightly golden.
- → Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze without topping for up to 3 months. Add topping after thawing.