Description
These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a refreshing dessert. With a simple graham cracker crust, a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling, and no oven required, they are easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
Optional garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the pan. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: Make the crust. In a bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Press the crust firmly into the prepared pan. Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to ensure the crust is evenly compacted.
Step 4: Refrigerate the crust for 1 hour to allow it to firm up before adding the filling.
Step 5: Blend the cheesecake filling. In a food processor, blend the chopped strawberries and sugar until finely diced and somewhat macerated.
Step 6: Add the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to the strawberry mixture in the food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Pour the blended strawberry cheesecake filling into a large bowl.
Step 8: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until it is fully incorporated into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 9: Assemble and chill. Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled graham cracker crust in the pan. Level the top with a spatula.
Step 10: Wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bars to set completely.
Step 11: Slice and serve. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab of cheesecake bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
Step 12: Slice the cheesecake into 12 equal bars.
Step 13: If desired, top each bar with fresh strawberry slices for an attractive garnish.
Step 14: Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes after removing them from the freezer to make slicing easier and to achieve a softer texture.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They require minimal effort, absolutely no baking, and are bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The creamy cheesecake filling combined with the crisp graham cracker crust creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. They are ideal for potlucks, parties, or a simple summer dessert.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bars chilled directly from the freezer or after allowing them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer bite.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Pair with a refreshing drink like lemonade, iced tea, or a strawberry smoothie.
Tips:
- For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese for a richer and creamier filling.
- Press the graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery filling.
- Allow the bars to freeze completely (at least 4 hours) before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
- For easier slicing, use a warm, clean knife and wipe it between each cut.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours (minimum)
Cook Time:
- 0 minutes (No baking required)
Total Time:
- 4 hours 20 minutes
Nutrition Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per bar
- Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams per bar
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg per bar
Conclusion
These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, they offer a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the simplicity and the delightful taste of these irresistible bars!
Questions and Answers
Question 1: Can I use a different type of crust for these bars?
Answer: Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with other cookie crumbs like Oreo crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter accordingly to achieve the right consistency.
Question 2: Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Answer: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before blending to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Question 3: How long do these bars need to freeze?
Answer: The bars need to freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, but freezing them overnight is recommended to ensure they are completely set and easy to slice.
Question 4: Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake filling?
Answer: Absolutely! You can add other extracts like lemon or almond extract, or incorporate other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
Question 5: How should I store leftover bars?
Answer: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the bars individually to prevent them from sticking together.
