Strawberry Cheesecake Bars No Bake

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Bars No Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 9 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Highlighted under: Sweet Moments

I absolutely love these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars because they combine the delightful tang of cream cheese with the sweetness of strawberries, all without needing to turn on the oven! The creamy texture and crumbly base make for a refreshing dessert that's perfect for warm days or gatherings. I found that using fresh strawberries adds a burst of flavor that really elevates the whole dish. Serve these chilled for the best experience, and watch them disappear at your next gathering!

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:07:08.106Z

When I first attempted these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, I was skeptical about how they would turn out without baking. To my surprise, the combination of cream cheese and whipped cream resulted in a rich, velvety texture that perfectly complemented the bright strawberries. I recommend letting them chill for at least a couple of hours to firm up and enhance all the flavors.

One key tip I discovered is to use high-quality strawberries. Not only do they taste better, but they also add a beautiful color contrast to the creamy cheesecake layer. This recipe has become a staple in my house, perfect for any occasion!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright, fresh flavors that celebrate strawberry season
Creamy and smooth texture that's indulgent yet light
No oven required, making it perfect for hot days

Creating the Perfect Crust

The crust of these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars plays a vital role in balancing the creamy filling. To achieve the ideal texture, be sure to use finely crushed graham cracker crumbs; larger pieces can lead to a crumbly crust that won’t hold together well. Combining the crumbs with melted butter allows for a cohesive mixture that, when pressed firmly into the baking dish, provides a sturdy base. If you want a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the crust for added depth.

Once you've pressed the crust into the dish, I recommend letting it chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial, as it helps the fat solidify, giving the crust a firmer texture when cut. If you're short on time, you can freeze it for about 15 minutes, ensuring it sets quickly without compromising the overall quality of your dessert. A well-chilled crust will prevent the filling from seeping into it, maintaining distinct layers for a visually appealing slice.

Whipping the Filling to Perfection

The filling is what truly makes these bars decadent, and whipping the cream properly is key to achieving that airy texture. When whipping the heavy cream, ensure your bowl and beaters are cold; this helps the cream whip to stiff peaks more efficiently. Watch for soft peaks, where the cream holds its shape but still has a silky feel. Overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture or even butter, so stop as soon as you see those peaks form.

Incorporating the strawberries is another essential step; folding them gently into the whipped mixture helps maintain volume. I prefer using freshly sliced strawberries as they lend vibrant flavor and refreshing juiciness, contrasting beautifully with the creaminess of the filling. If fresh strawberries aren't available, you can substitute with frozen berries, just make sure they are defrosted and drained to prevent excess moisture that could affect the filling's consistency.

Serving and Storing Your Bars

Once your cheesecake bars have set in the refrigerator, cutting them can be tricky if not done properly. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to ensure clean cuts, giving you neat, appealing squares. After slicing, if you find that the edges are crumbling, consider chilling them a bit longer before serving. These bars can be garnished with additional strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate for a stylish presentation that elevates your dessert.

For storage, these bars should remain in the refrigerator and can last for up to five days if kept covered. If you want to make them ahead of time, they're perfect for freezing—just wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months, but be sure to let them thaw in the fridge before serving to retain their creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.

For the crust

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

For the filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

You’re now ready to mix and prepare your cheesecake bars!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your no-bake cheesecake bars.

Prepare the crust

In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

Make the filling

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

Assemble

Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Serve

Once firm, cut into bars and serve chilled, garnishing with additional sliced strawberries if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!

Pro Tips

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling. If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake, adjust the powdered sugar according to your taste.

Ingredient Insights

The cream cheese is the backbone of this dessert, providing the luscious, creamy texture that cheesecake lovers crave. For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese to ensure a rich flavor and avoid a watery filling. If you're looking to make a lighter version, reduced-fat cream cheese can work but may alter the texture slightly, making it less smooth.

Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar in the filling helps achieve the desired smoothness quickly, as it dissolves easily. If you're in a pinch and only have granulated sugar, just blend it until fine in a food processor for a similar effect. This minor adjustment can save the day if you're missing an ingredient!

Variations and Customizations

While strawberries offer delightful flavor, other fruits can also shine in this recipe. Consider using raspberries or blueberries for a berry medley twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit, as some berries are tangier than others. Chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, can also be added to the crust for added crunch and flavor variation.

If you're looking to add a bit of a gourmet touch, consider incorporating a layer of fruit puree beneath the filling. Simply blend fresh fruit with a little sugar and lemon juice, spread it over the cooled crust before adding the cream cheese mixture. This not only adds flavor but creates a beautiful, swirled appearance when cut.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cheesecake bars aren't firming up after the recommended chilling time, they could benefit from a longer chilling period. Sometimes, depending on the temperature of your refrigerator and the ingredients used, the bars might require an extra hour or two to set properly. Patience is key here; rushing to cut them too soon could result in a messy outcome.

Another common issue is a runny filling. This can occur if the heavy cream wasn’t whipped to the right consistency or if too much liquid was introduced with the strawberries. If you find your filling is too soft, consider adding more whipped cream or even some gelatin to help stabilize it for the next batch. This way, you can ensure your bars hold their shape beautifully when served.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long can I store these bars?

These cheesecake bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

→ What should I do if the filling is too runny?

If the filling appears runny, make sure the cream cheese is well softened and consider adding a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.