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Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake bars - featured image

These cheesecake bars combine creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and a glossy chocolate topping for a quick, easy, and indulgent dessert perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
  • 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and ¼ cup sugar. Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While crust bakes, toss chopped strawberries with lemon juice and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit at room temperature to macerate for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add ⅔ cup sugar and continue beating until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and flour until just combined.
  4. Fold macerated strawberries gently into cheesecake batter. Pour mixture over warm crust and spread evenly.
  5. Bake bars for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack door, and let bars cool inside for 15 minutes.
  6. Transfer pan to wire rack and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
  7. Just before serving, melt chopped chocolate and heavy cream together in 20-second intervals in microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy. Drizzle or spread over chilled bars.
  8. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean bars. Wipe knife between cuts. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter after adding eggs to prevent cracks. Press crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Melt chocolate slowly in short bursts to avoid burning. Cool bars gradually in oven with door cracked to reduce cracking. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Bars taste better after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, chocolate covered strawberries, easy dessert, party dessert, creamy cheesecake, strawberry dessert, chocolate topping