Description
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, soft dessert bars, and sweet strawberry swirls all layered into one irresistible treat. These easy dessert bars are rich, smooth, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor, making them ideal for holiday desserts, quick party treats, summer dessert ideas, and easy baking recipes for beginners. The buttery soft base pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake topping, while the strawberry swirls add a fruity finish that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you need easy dessert ideas for gatherings, make-ahead party desserts, sweet snack recipes, or simple cheesecake bar recipes, these Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Bars deliver bakery-style results with minimal effort. They are perfect for brunch tables, dessert platters, family celebrations, and weekend baking projects.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar for cheesecake layer
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for cheesecake layer
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Add sugar, egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch to the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth.
8. Spread the cheesecake filling over the base layer.
9. Spoon strawberry jam over the cheesecake layer and swirl gently with a knife.
10. Top with chopped fresh strawberries.
11. Bake for 32 to 38 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
12. Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes.
13. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before slicing.
14. Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
Always use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest cheesecake filling.
Do not overbake the bars because the cheesecake layer continues setting while cooling.
Refrigerating the bars overnight creates cleaner slices and improves the flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: soft strawberry cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, strawberry dessert bars, easy dessert recipe, cheesecake dessert, strawberry cheesecake recipe, easy baking recipe, party desserts, make ahead desserts