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Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Irresistible Swirled Topping

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Indulge in these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with a stunning swirled topping that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the fresh tartness of strawberries. Perfect for gatherings, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  3. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine the finely chopped fresh strawberries, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. If desired, mash the strawberries for a smoother sauce. If the sauce seems too thin, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the mixture, cooking for another minute until thickened. Allow the sauce to cool completely.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add ¾ cup granulated sugar, mixing until just combined.
  7. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just incorporated after each addition.
  8. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Dollop spoonfuls of the cooled strawberry swirl topping over the cheesecake filling and gently swirl with a knife or skewer.
  9. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, with a slight jiggle in the center. Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
  10. Once cooled, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slice into bars.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. Don't overmix the batter to avoid cracks, and let the bars cool completely before refrigerating for the best results.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/easy-strawberry-cheesecake-bars-irresistible-swirled-topping/