Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper for easy removal). Use the back of a spoon or a glass to press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer.

Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden and fragrant. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

#### Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the sugar and continue to beat until fully incorporated.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour (if using), and mix until smooth. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and smooth—perfect for spreading on top of the graham cracker crust.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure the filling covers the entire surface of the crust without spilling over the edges.

Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden, but the center will still be slightly jiggly. Don’t worry—the bars will firm up as they cool.

Once baked, remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to the fridge and chill for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bars to fully set.

#### Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
While the bars are chilling, prepare the strawberry topping. Wash and slice the fresh strawberries, then place them in a small bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir gently to coat the strawberries. If you’d like a bit of added tartness, you can also add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the strawberries.

Let the strawberries sit for 15-20 minutes to release their juices and macerate. This will create a flavorful syrup to drizzle over the cheesecake bars when serving.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled, remove them from the fridge and slice them into squares. Top each bar with a spoonful of the macerated strawberries and serve.

You can garnish the bars with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprig of mint, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flair. These bars are best served cold, so keep them in the fridge if you have any leftovers.

### Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

– **No-Bake Option**: If you don’t want to bake the cheesecake filling, you can make a no-bake version by setting the filling in the fridge after mixing and skipping the baking step. Just be sure to chill the bars for several hours to let the filling firm up.
– **Fresh and Fruity**: The sweet strawberries add a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling, making every bite refreshing and delicious.
– **Make-Ahead Convenience**: These bars can be made the day before your event, saving you time while ensuring a perfect dessert for your guests.
– **Customizable**: While strawberries are a classic choice, you can easily swap them for other fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, or even create a mixed berry topping.

### Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

– **Chill for Best Results**: Patience is key! Letting the cheesecake bars chill completely in the fridge will ensure they set properly and develop the perfect texture.
– **Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese**: For the creamiest filling, stick with full-fat cream cheese rather than low-fat varieties. It will provide the rich texture and flavor you’re looking for.
– **Sweeten to Taste**: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you might want to adjust the amount of sugar you use in the filling or topping. Taste and tweak as necessary.
– **Experiment with Crusts**: If you’re looking to change things up, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a different type of crust, such as Oreo cookies, Biscoff cookies, or even shortbread cookies for a unique twist.

### Final Thoughts

**Strawberry Cheesecake Bars** are the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and refreshing, making them an irresistible dessert choice for any occasion. With their buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry topping, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. They’re easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and offer a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re serving them at a summer BBQ, a holiday dinner, or just treating yourself to something sweet, **Strawberry Cheesecake Bars** are guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients and start baking—these bars are sure to be a hit!