Description
These upgraded Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars feature a luscious cream cheese filling over a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a glossy, homemade strawberry sauce and optional white chocolate drizzle. They’re rich yet refreshing, easy to slice, and perfect for casual gatherings, celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a classic dessert with a fruity twist. With no need for water baths or complicated techniques, this recipe keeps things simple while delivering bakery-level flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons sour cream, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Drizzle
½ cup white chocolate melting wafers, melted
Instructions
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Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily after chilling. -
Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly. -
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and sour cream and mix until fully combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined avoid overmixing. -
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. -
Prepare the Strawberry Topping
In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, water, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the strawberries soften and release juices. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the saucepan. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely. -
Add Topping & Drizzle
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and set, spoon the cooled strawberry topping evenly over the bars. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top if desired. Chill for another 15–30 minutes before slicing. -
Slice & Serve
Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. For clean edges, slice with a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts.
Notes
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Chill thoroughly: For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight before adding the topping.
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Smooth slicing: Use a warm knife for perfect, clean cuts.
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Storage tip: Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze them (without the topping) for up to 1 month.
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Topping swap: You can use raspberry or blueberry instead of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 215mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Philadelphia cheesecake bars, strawberry cheesecake bars, cream cheese dessert, easy cheesecake, white chocolate drizzle