Baked Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
Rich cheesecake bars bursting with fresh strawberries atop a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for an easy homemade dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Step 3: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Add 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to the cream cheese, beating until just combined and smooth.
- Step 6: Pour the cheesecake batter over the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Arrange 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the cheesecake batter, gently pressing them in.
- Step 8: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.
- Step 9: Cool the bars to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Step 10: Before serving, dust with 1 tbsp powdered sugar for a delicate finish. Cut into 12 bars and enjoy the creamy, fruity treat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
