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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These creamy, dreamy no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars are the perfect spring dessert! They’re incredibly easy to make, require zero oven time, and feature fresh, vibrant strawberries. The smooth cream cheese filling sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Brief History
While cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, no-bake versions gained popularity in the 1960s as convenient alternatives to traditional baked cheesecakes, especially during warm weather months.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, divided
- 2 tablespoons gelatin powder
- ¼ cup water
Equipment
- 8×8 inch square pan
- Parchment paper
- Food processor or blender
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Cooking Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the pan. Refrigerate.
- Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Puree 1 cup strawberries until smooth.
- Heat bloomed gelatin until dissolved, mix with strawberry puree.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
- Add strawberry-gelatin mixture, mix until combined.
- Pour over crust, smooth top.
- Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with remaining strawberries before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Protein: 8g
Dietary Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers
- Dairy-free: Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream
- Low-carb: Use almond flour crust and sugar-free sweetener
Pro Tips
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between slices. These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain well before using.
Why won’t my cheesecake set?
Ensure gelatin is properly bloomed and dissolved.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, up to 3 days in advance.
How do I know when the gelatin is properly bloomed?
The gelatin granules should be fully absorbed and look swollen after 5 minutes in cold water.
Can I substitute the graham crackers with other cookies?
Yes, digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work great as alternatives.
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Description
Indulge in the luscious sweetness of No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. This no-fuss recipe combines creamy cheesecake filling with a tangy strawberry topping, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Crust
For the Filling
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the pan. Refrigerate.
- Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Puree 1 cup strawberries until smooth.
- Heat bloomed gelatin until dissolved, mix with strawberry puree.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
- Add strawberry-gelatin mixture, mix until combined.
- Pour over crust, smooth top.
- Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with remaining strawberries before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 38g59%
- Saturated Fat 23g115%
- Cholesterol 115mg39%
- Sodium 380mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 32g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Dietary Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers
- Dairy-free: Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream
- Low-carb: Use almond flour crust and sugar-free sweetener
Pro Tips
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between slices. These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months - thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
