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–+ servings

Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Sally Thompson
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 320 kcal

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 8x8-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: 1barCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24g
Keyword cheesecake bars, cheesecake dessert, easy baking recipe, easy dessert recipe, make ahead desserts, party desserts, soft strawberry cheesecake bars, strawberry cheesecake recipe, strawberry dessert bars
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