No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Summer Delight

Looking for a simple yet delicious dessert to cool off this summer? These no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars are the answer! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a fresh, sweet strawberry topping, this dessert is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a summer party or a casual evening treat, these strawberry cheesecake bars will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks)

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Garnish:

• Crumbled graham crackers
• Fresh strawberry slices

Directions:

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Mix the crust ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (if using). Stir until the mixture is well combined.
2. Press into the pan: Pour the mixture into an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing down with the back of a spoon to form an even layer.
3. Chill: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, creating a fluffy and creamy texture.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Topping

1. Combine strawberries and jam: In a small bowl, mix together the fresh sliced strawberries and strawberry jam or preserves. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for extra freshness.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread the cheesecake filling: Once the crust is set, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crust.
2. Top with strawberries: Spoon the strawberry topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
3. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the bars to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add final touches: Before serving, garnish the bars with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of crumbled graham crackers for extra flavor and texture.
2. Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing, no-bake dessert!

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:

• Quick and easy: This dessert requires no baking, making it a quick and hassle-free treat to whip up.
• Perfect balance of flavors: The combination of smooth cream cheese, tangy strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust makes every bite irresistible.
• Ideal for any occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, family gathering, or casual dessert, these bars are sure to impress.
• Make ahead: These cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for meal prepping or last-minute entertaining.

Pro Tips:

• For a firmer texture: Make sure to refrigerate the cheesecake bars for a few hours or overnight to achieve a nice, firm consistency.
• Experiment with toppings: Swap out the strawberries for other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, depending on your preference.
• Sweeten to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling or the strawberry topping to match your desired sweetness level.