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Creamy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

creamy no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and fresh macerated strawberries, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Β½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Β½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 Β½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
  • Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and pounding gently with a rolling pin.
  2. Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl, add melted butter and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and stir until the mixture looks like wet sand.
  3. Pour crumb mixture into an 8×8-inch square pan and press down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or bottom of a glass. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
  4. In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
  5. In a separate large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
  6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in batches to keep the filling light and fluffy.
  7. Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Toss sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and let sit for about 20 minutes to macerate.
  9. Right before serving, spread the macerated strawberries evenly over the cheesecake layer and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
  10. Cut into 9 bars and enjoy.

Notes

Softened cream cheese is crucial to avoid lumps. Whip cream to soft peaks for the best texture. Chill bars for at least 4 hours to set properly. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake bars, summer dessert, easy cheesecake, no-bake dessert, creamy cheesecake bars