Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars (Printable)

Rich cheesecake bars with fresh strawberries and a smooth chocolate topping, great for gatherings or treats.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/3 cup sour cream
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

→ Topping

10 - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 6-8 whole strawberries, halved for garnish

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.
04 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Gently fold diced strawberries into the cheesecake batter. Pour mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is just set and edges are lightly golden. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
07 - Let bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until completely chilled and firm.
08 - Melt chocolate chips and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
09 - Pour melted chocolate evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Top with halved strawberries if desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until chocolate is set.
10 - Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean slices.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crisp chocolate shell shatters beautifully against the creamy cheesecake underneath
  • Fresh strawberries scattered throughout keep every bite bright and fruity
  • They look impressive but come together faster than a full cheesecake
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable for a lump free cheesecake filling
  • Overmixing after adding eggs can cause cracks during baking
  • The chocolate topping sets best when the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled
03 -
  • A water bath while baking helps prevent cracks though it is not essential
  • Always run a thin knife around the edges of the pan before chilling to prevent sticking

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