Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: A Creamy Delight in Every Bite

If you’re a fan of creamy, rich cheesecake and the sweet tang of strawberries, Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are your perfect treat. These decadent bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth Philadelphia cream cheese filling, and a luscious strawberry topping—all in an easy-to-slice bar form that’s ideal for parties, picnics, or satisfying your sweet tooth at home.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step through the process of making these crowd-pleasing cheesecake bars from scratch, using real ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques.

Why You’ll Love Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

✅ Creamy and Tangy: Thanks to Philadelphia cream cheese, the texture is ultra-smooth and rich.
✅ Perfect Portions: Bars are easier to serve than a traditional round cheesecake.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully in the fridge.
✅ Visually Stunning: The vibrant strawberry topping makes them look as good as they taste.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

2 packages (8 oz each) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)

For the Strawberry Topping:

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

Equipment You’ll Need:

9×9-inch baking pan (or 8×8 for thicker bars)
Mixing bowls
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Parchment paper
Saucepan

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese until smooth (about 1 minute).
Add the sugar and beat again until fully incorporated and creamy.
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
Add vanilla extract and sour cream, and mix until just combined (do not overbeat).
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) until completely set.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Topping

While the bars chill, make the topping:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down slightly.
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.

🍓 Tip: You can mash the strawberries slightly for a more spreadable topping or leave them chunky for texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper.
Spread the cooled strawberry topping evenly over the cheesecake surface.
Slice into bars (clean the knife between cuts for sharp edges).

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store covered bars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual bars (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and top with strawberries before serving.

Variations to Try

Swirl it: Add dollops of strawberry puree to the cheesecake before baking and swirl with a knife for a marbled look.
Berry Mix: Use blueberries, raspberries, or a combination for the topping.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the strawberry layer for a gourmet twist.

Final Thoughts

Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, these bars offer everything you want in a dessert: creamy texture, fruity freshness, and a crunchy base.

With this easy step-by-step method, you’ll be making bakery-quality cheesecake bars in your own kitchen. So grab that cream cheese, and let your next baking session be one to remember!