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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Featured in Sweet Delights for Every Occasion.

These strawberry cheesecake bars are like summer sunshine in dessert form The graham cracker crust is buttery and crisp giving way to the creamiest cheesecake layer youve ever had On top theres this gorgeous homemade strawberry sauce that sinks into the cheesecake a bit making pretty swirls White chocolate drizzle adds sweetness and makes them look extra fancy The best part is you can make them ahead so theyre perfect for parties Each bite gives you all the layers making them impossible to resist
A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:53:06 GMT
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A close-up view of layered cheesecake squares topped with fresh strawberries and drizzled with strawberry sauce. Pin it
A close-up view of layered cheesecake squares topped with fresh strawberries and drizzled with strawberry sauce. | cookingkeys.com

These cookies were born one rainy day when my kids were craving s'mores but couldn't have our usual backyard campfire! The moment that first batch came out of the oven, with melty marshmallows and chocolate oozing everywhere, I knew we'd created something special. Now they've become our favorite rainy day treat the perfect way to bring that campfire magic indoors!

What Makes These Special

These aren't your ordinary cookies! Each bite captures all the best parts of a real s'more those gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate chips, and that hint of graham cracker crunch. When my son's friends came over last weekend, they couldn't believe we'd packed all that campfire goodness into a cookie. The way the marshmallows get slightly toasted on top is pure cookie magic!

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • The Base:
    • Sweet butter
    • Fresh eggs
    • Pure vanilla
    • Soft flour
    • Brown sugar
  • The S'mores Magic:
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Chocolate chips
    • Graham crackers
    • Sea salt

Creating Cookie Magic

The Perfect Start
When that butter and sugar come together, it smells like memories of childhood baking! Those graham cracker crumbs add such a lovely golden color to the dough.
Adding the Goodies
Folding in the marshmallows and chocolate chips is like creating little pockets of joy in every cookie. My kids love helping with this part watching for the perfect mix!
Baking Beauty
The way these cookies puff up in the oven is amazing! Those marshmallows get all toasty on top while the chocolate melts into perfect little pools.
A close-up of a slice of cheesecake topped with red strawberry glaze and a fresh strawberry, resting on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of a slice of cheesecake topped with red strawberry glaze and a fresh strawberry, resting on parchment paper. | cookingkeys.com

My Cookie Secrets

Want to know what makes these cookies extra special? Let your melted butter cool just slightly before mixing it really makes a difference in texture. Don't crush those graham crackers too fine you want little bits of crunch throughout. And here's my favorite trick: save a few marshmallows and chocolate chips to press on top right when they come out of the oven!

Serving Smiles

There's nothing quite like serving these cookies still warm from the oven! That moment when someone pulls one apart and the chocolate stretches into perfect strings pure cookie joy! I love watching people's faces light up when they realize it's everything they love about s'mores in one perfect cookie.

Fresh is Best

These cookies are absolutely best enjoyed fresh! If you're making them ahead, try slightly under-baking them, then warming them for a few seconds in the microwave before serving. It brings back that fresh-baked gooeyness that makes them so special.

Mix It Up

While the classic version is amazing, sometimes we get creative! Dark chocolate chips make them extra decadent, and adding a little cinnamon to the dough tastes like cozy campfire nights. My daughter loves when we use chocolate graham crackers it makes them even more chocolatey!

A close-up of a strawberry cheesecake bar topped with glazed strawberries and drizzled with white icing, surrounded by fresh strawberries. Pin it
A close-up of a strawberry cheesecake bar topped with glazed strawberries and drizzled with white icing, surrounded by fresh strawberries. | cookingkeys.com

Campfire Memories

These cookies have become our favorite way to bring campfire fun into the kitchen! Whether it's a rainy summer evening or a cozy winter day, they always bring smiles and sticky fingers. There's something so special about recreating beloved outdoor memories in cookie form it's like a hug from summer, any time of year!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars up to 3 days ahead. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Add the white chocolate drizzle just before serving.
→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the compote?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well for the compote. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking. You might need to cook the compote a bit longer.
→ Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend better and create a smoother cheesecake texture. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps in your batter.
→ Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap well and thaw overnight in the fridge. Add the compote and white chocolate after thawing.
→ How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be lightly golden and the center should be slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking can cause cracks.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake bars with graham cracker crust, topped with fresh strawberry compote and white chocolate drizzle. A perfect make-ahead dessert.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs.
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
03 16 ounces cream cheese, softened.
04 1/2 cup sugar.
05 1/4 cup sour cream.
06 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
07 2 eggs, room temperature.
08 1 3/4 cups fresh strawberries, chopped.
09 5 tablespoons sugar for compote.
10 3 tablespoons water.
11 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice.
12 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
13 1/4 cup white chocolate.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch square pan with parchment and spray with cooking spray.

Step 02

Mix graham crumbs with melted butter. Press firmly into pan bottom.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.

Step 04

Pour filling over crust. Bake 40-45 minutes until edges are golden and center jiggles slightly.

Step 05

Cook strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice and cornstarch for 10 minutes until bubbly. Chill.

Step 06

Cut cooled bars and create groove in top. Fill with compote and drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Notes

  1. Can be made 3 days ahead.
  2. Cool completely before cutting.
  3. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 316 votes.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch square pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 7 g