Delightful dessert bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant strawberry topping.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time55 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Summer
Servings: 9servings
Equipment
Mixing Bowl
9x9 inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
2cupsGraham cracker crumbs(about 15 crackers)
2tablespoonsGranulated sugar
¼cupButter, melted
Filling Ingredients
16ouncesCream cheese, softened
½cupGranulated sugar
2largeEggs
1teaspoonVanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
1cupFresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2tablespoonsStrawberry preserves
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are coated and resemble wet sand. Press into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9x9 inch baking dish. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and cool.
Step 2: In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 3: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine sliced strawberries with strawberry preserves. Stir gently to coat. Arrange strawberries over the cheesecake filling.
Step 5: Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Slice into squares and serve. Optionally garnish with extra strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry preserves.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cut squares for up to 2 months.