Description
Creamy and decadent strawberry cheesecake bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich cream cheese filling swirled with sweet strawberry preserves. These bars are baked to perfection and chilled for a refreshing, sliceable dessert perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup strawberry preserves
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Warm the strawberry preserves slightly to make them spoonable, then drop dollops over the cream cheese layer.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the strawberry preserves into the cream cheese mixture for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper allows you to easily lift the entire slab out for cleaner slicing.
- For the best texture, allow the bars to chill overnight.
- Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts for neat squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300-350
- Sugar: 25-30 g
- Sodium: 200-250 mg
- Fat: 18-22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
- Fiber: 0-1 g
- Protein: 4-5 g
- Cholesterol: 60-80 mg
