Indulge in a slice of heaven with our Strawberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars! This delightful dessert combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries and the luxurious touch of white chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress your friends and family, leaving them craving more. With just a little effort and a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning treat that looks as good as it tastes. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that promises to be the star of your next gathering!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help you lift the cheesecake bars out after baking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it down tightly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Add 1 cup of sugar to the cream cheese and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake mixture.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cheesecake filling, pressing them down slightly to ensure they stick.
- Bake the cheesecake bars in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to cracks.
- Once baked, remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and set.
- Once chilled, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 equal squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Serve the strawberry white chocolate cheesecake bars chilled, and enjoy!
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs and vanilla extract, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake bars.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cheesecake bars while baking. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. This ensures a creamy texture.
- Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before refrigerating. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
- Chill for Best Results: For optimal flavor and texture, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cut with a Warm Knife: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the bars. This will give you nice, even pieces without any messy edges.
- Garnish Creatively: Consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top before serving for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 90mg
