Here’s a recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Bars—a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using).
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then spoon it over the cheesecake layer.
4. Bake the Bars:
- Bake the cheesecake bars for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
5. Slice and Serve:
- Once chilled, slice the bars into squares and serve. You can top each bar with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!