Strawberry Cheesecake Bars No Bake

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Bars No Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

Highlighted under: Sweet Moments

I can’t express how much I love these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars! I created this no-bake recipe to enjoy the luscious flavors of strawberries and cream without turning on the oven. They are creamy, delicious, and packed with fresh strawberry goodness, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. The best part? They come together in just a few minutes, requiring only a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress everyone around the table.

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:04:03.257Z

When I first made these no-bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, I was blown away by how easy they were and how amazing they tasted! The combination of cream cheese and whipped cream gives the filling a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with the tartness of fresh strawberries. I found that letting the bars chill for a few hours really helps the flavors meld together.

One specific tip I discovered is to use both crushed graham crackers and melted butter for the crust. This combination creates a perfect balance of crunch and richness, supporting the creamy filling perfectly. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this step!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy, dreamy texture that melts in your mouth
Bright and fresh strawberry flavor with every bite
No baking required, making it quick and easy to whip up

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the creamy texture of your cheesecake bars lies primarily in the cream cheese. Using full-fat cream cheese instead of reduced fat ensures a richer flavor and a silkier consistency. Additionally, make sure it is well-softened at room temperature, which allows for a smoother blend with the sugar and vanilla. This prevents any lumps that could detract from the overall mouthfeel of your treat.

Fresh strawberries are essential for delivering the bright, fruity flavor that complements the creaminess of the filling. When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are firm, deeply colored, and fragrant. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, feel free to use frozen ones, but ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained to prevent excess water from making your filling too runny.

Perfecting the Crust

The crust for these cheesecake bars is foundational, providing a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch. To achieve the best texture, ensure your butter is completely melted but not too hot when mixing with the graham cracker crumbs and sugar; this prevents the crust from becoming overly greasy. Press the mixture down firmly into the bottom of the pan, using the flat bottom of a measuring cup for even packing.

If you're looking for an alternative to graham crackers, digestive biscuits or even chocolate cookies can create a delightful twist in flavor. Adjust the sugar level if your alternative cookie is sweeter or less sweet. Once pressed, chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help it set before adding the filling, ensuring it holds its shape when cut.

Making and Storing the Bars

After assembling the filling, spreading it evenly over the crust is crucial for aesthetic appeal and taste. Use an offset spatula for an even surface and to get into the corners of the pan. Once assembled, patience is key as the bars need to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This prolonged chilling time helps the flavors meld together beautifully while ensuring the bars are firm enough to hold their shape when served.

These cheesecake bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them a great make-ahead treat for gatherings. If you plan to freeze leftovers, cut them into bars once set and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about two months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious no-bake cheesecake bars:

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s start creating these delicious bars!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:

Prepare the crust

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch square pan evenly.

Make the filling

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Finally, mix in the chopped strawberries.

Assemble the bars

Spread the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Serve

Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled. Enjoy your refreshing treat!

The bars are now ready to be enjoyed and shared!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can top the bars with additional fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the presentation, consider garnishing your strawberry cheesecake bars with additional fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce just before serving. A few mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars. Pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the dessert experience even further, making it as pretty as it is delicious.

These bars also make an excellent canvas for variation—try layering in some crushed cookies or nuts between the crust and filling for added texture. For an adult twist, fold a little bit of fruit-flavored liqueur into the filling or top the bars with a berry compote that includes a splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your filling appears too runny after mixing, it might be due to not whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Take a moment to whip it a bit more until the mixture holds its shape well before folding it into the cream cheese. If your mixture has lumps, make sure to blend your cream cheese thoroughly before adding in the other ingredients to create a smooth batter.

In case your bars crumble when cutting, ensure you allow them to chill long enough. If you're in a time crunch and need to serve them sooner, put them in the freezer for an hour after refrigeration to help them firm up. When slicing, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water; this will give you cleaner cuts, preventing messiness and maintaining the integrity of your bars.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can try using coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping for a lighter option.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are recommended, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.