Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Bars

Cheesecake desserts have long held a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. Their rich, creamy texture combined with an array of flavors makes them a go-to choice for celebrations, gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. Among the various cheesecake creations, strawberry cheesecake stands out, particularly for those who enjoy the delightful contrast of tangy cream cheese and sweet, succulent strawberries. As the weather warms up, a no-bake dessert like Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Bars becomes an appealing option. These bars are not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple treat at home.

Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Bars

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Bars, the perfect no-bake dessert for summer! These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberry topping, making them a crowd-pleaser for picnics and gatherings. Easy to prepare ahead of time, they are customizable and versatile. Dive into this recipe to create a deliciously cool treat that captures the essence of summer! Enjoy a taste of this classic favorite without the fuss of baking.

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the strawberry topping:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.

- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking pan to form an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup to ensure it's tightly packed.

- Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.

- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until there are no streaks visible.

Assemble the Bars:

- Remove the crust from the refrigerator and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake is firm.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release some juices.

- If you prefer a thicker sauce, in a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch mixture over medium heat until it thickens, then stir in the strawberries. Allow to cool completely before using.

Serve the Bars:

- Once the cheesecake is firm, take the pan out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into bars. Keep dipping the knife in warm water for cleaner cuts.

- Top each bar with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture before serving.

Enjoy!

- Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Bars chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity layers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 4 hours 30 minutes | 12 bars