Description
Sweet summer memories bloom in these Philadelphia strawberry cheesecake bars, blending creamy richness with fresh berry elegance. Cool slices promise delightful moments where classic dessert meets irresistible indulgence you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 2 packages (16 ounces / 454 grams) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Arrange oven rack in the center position and warm to 325F (163C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Craft the graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the parchment, creating a compact base. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool completely.
- Create the creamy filling by whipping cream cheese until velvety smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending until homogeneous. Introduce eggs individually, mixing gently after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Delicately pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring uniform distribution. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness. Remove from oven and let rest at room temperature.
- Develop the vibrant strawberry topping by combining chopped berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, then introduce cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Reduce heat and simmer until glossy and reduced.
- Once the cheesecake has chilled for 4 hours, generously spread the cooled strawberry compote across the surface. Lift the entire dessert using parchment paper edges, slice into elegant bars, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Chill cream cheese at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing to ensure a silky cheesecake texture.
- Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
- Use room temperature eggs to blend seamlessly and create a uniform, creamy consistency.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually to prevent surface cracks, letting it rest at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 186 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg