Cheesecake Bars are a simple yet decadent dessert that combines the creamy richness of traditional cheesecake with the convenience of a bar format. These bars are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a sweet and indulgent treat. The graham cracker crust offers a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling. Top it off with fresh strawberries and raspberries for a vibrant, fruity finish, and you’ve got a dessert that will wow your guests.

What makes these cheesecake bars so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect base, while the tangy cream cheese filling is light and creamy. The combination of fresh strawberries and raspberries as toppings adds a refreshing sweetness and a pop of color. You can even prepare these bars ahead of time, making them a great choice for stress-free entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This recipe is much simpler than a traditional cheesecake, and you won’t need a springform pan. The bar format makes it easier to slice and serve.

2. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

The cheesecake filling is creamy and slightly tangy, which balances out the sweetness of the graham cracker crust and fresh berries.

3. Versatile Toppings

The fresh strawberries and raspberries provide a beautiful contrast in flavor, but you can swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

4. Make-Ahead Option

These cheesecake bars can be made in advance, which is perfect for busy gatherings or meal prep.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

With their rich, creamy texture and fresh fruity topping, these cheesecake bars are a surefire hit at any event or family gathering.

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

Graham Cracker Crumbs
Butter (melted)
Brown Sugar
Egg White

Cheesecake:

Cream Cheese (softened)
Sugar
Cake Flour
Salt
Eggs
Egg Yolk
Sour Cream
Vanilla Extract

Toppings:

Fresh Strawberries (sliced)
Fresh Raspberries

Variations

Fruit Variations: Swap the strawberries and raspberries for other berries or fruit of your choice, such as blackberries, blueberries, or peaches.
Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: Add melted chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate twist, or drizzle chocolate ganache over the top for added indulgence.
Nuts and Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust for extra crunch and flavor.
Mini Cheesecake Bars: For individual servings, use a mini muffin tin or small square pans to create mini cheesecake bars that are easy to grab and go.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and egg white. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the cake flour and salt, mixing until well combined. Beat in the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should have a slight jiggle in the center. Let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow them to fully set.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

Before serving, wash and slice the strawberries, and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange the fresh strawberries and raspberries on top of the chilled cheesecake bars.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling without lumps.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cheesecake filling can lead to cracks. Mix just until smooth and combined.
Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake bars cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This ensures the filling sets properly and doesn’t become too soft.
Fresh Fruit: If using fresh fruit as toppings, make sure to wash and dry the fruit thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the bars.
Refrigerate Overnight: For the best results, refrigerate the cheesecake bars overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop and the bars to set properly.

How to Serve

Serve these cheesecake bars chilled, directly from the fridge, for the best texture and flavor. Slice them into squares or rectangles for easy serving. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat after a meal. If desired, you can also drizzle a bit of honey or fruit syrup over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep the fruit toppings separate if you’re storing leftovers to prevent the berries from becoming soggy.

Freezing

These cheesecake bars freeze beautifully. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Cheesecake bars are best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat them. If you prefer them slightly warmer, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make these bars gluten-free.

2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though the bars may have a slightly less rich texture.

3. Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, if you’re in a hurry, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust. Just make sure it’s large enough to fit the 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Yes, these cheesecake bars freeze very well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months.

5. How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

To prevent cracks, don’t overmix the filling and avoid opening the oven door while baking. Let the cheesecake cool slowly and gradually.

6. Can I add other fruits to the topping?

Absolutely! You can top the cheesecake bars with any fruit you like, such as blueberries, blackberries, or kiwi.

7. Can I make the cheesecake bars in advance?

Yes, these bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

8. Can I use sour cream in the filling?

Yes, sour cream is essential for the creamy texture of the filling, but you could substitute with Greek yogurt for a slight tangier flavor.

9. How do I serve these bars?

These bars are best served chilled. Slice them into squares and serve them with a garnish of fresh fruit or a drizzle of syrup.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Cheesecake Bars are a deliciously indulgent treat with a rich, creamy filling and a perfectly crunchy graham cracker crust. Topped with fresh strawberries and raspberries, these bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, family gathering, or simply enjoying them as an afternoon treat, these cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re a dessert that will become a staple in your baking collection.