Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and sweet—an easy-to-make dessert that delivers big flavor without the fuss. I first made these for a family picnic on a warm summer day, and they quickly became a fan favorite. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a glossy strawberry topping, every bite feels like a little slice of sunshine.

These bars are ideal for entertaining, potlucks, picnics, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a sunny afternoon. They come together quickly, require no baking, and chill beautifully—making them as convenient as they are delicious. Plus, they travel well and slice cleanly, making them a host or hostess's dream dessert to prepare in advance.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

• No-bake dessert: Keep your kitchen cool and your prep simple.
• Classic flavors: A crowd-pleasing combo of graham cracker, cheesecake, and strawberry.
• Perfect for gatherings: Easy to slice and serve to a crowd.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill overnight and serve the next day.
• Minimal effort: Pantry ingredients and no oven required.
• Freezer-friendly: Excellent for storing ahead of time in individual portions.
• Customizable: Switch up the topping, crust, or add-ins to match your mood or season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 box graham cracker crumbs (about 2 ½ cups)
• ¾ cup melted butter
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) bars of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz tub of Cool Whip, defrosted

For the Topping:

• 21 oz can of strawberry pie filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
   • Mix until the texture resembles wet sand and all crumbs are evenly moistened.
   • Press the mixture firmly into a 9x13-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
   • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up the crust.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
   • Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until fully incorporated.
   • Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a rubber spatula until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Bars:
   • Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
   • Spoon the strawberry pie filling over the top and spread gently to cover the entire surface.
4. Chill:
   • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bars to fully set.
5. Serve:
   • Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.
   • Garnish with fresh strawberries, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these bars cold, straight from the fridge. They make a refreshing dessert on warm days and look beautiful on a dessert tray. Pair them with a cup of iced coffee or tea for a simple yet elegant treat.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual bars between layers of parchment in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

To ensure clean, sharp slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between each cut.

Helpful Notes

• Cream cheese tip: Make sure it’s fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Customize: Swap the topping for blueberry, raspberry, or cherry pie filling.
• Crust tip: A chocolate cookie crust makes a delicious twist.
• Make ahead: These bars actually taste better the next day after the flavors meld.
• Low-sugar option: Use reduced-sugar pie filling and a sugar alternative for the crust and filling.
• Layer upgrade: Add a thin layer of strawberry jam beneath the topping for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
   Yes, substitute with about 2 cups of sweetened whipped cream. Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoon powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
3. Do these bars freeze well?
   Yes, they freeze beautifully. Layer with parchment paper and store in an airtight container.
4. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
   Yes, macerate them with sugar and a bit of lemon juice, or make a quick homemade topping with strawberries and cornstarch.
5. Can I make this in a round pan?
   You can, but a square or rectangular dish ensures even slicing and serving.
6. How can I make these more decadent?
   Add a swirl of white chocolate into the cheesecake filling or a drizzle of dark chocolate over the strawberry topping.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delicious, no-bake treat that brings together classic flavors with minimal effort. With their creamy filling, crunchy crust, and fruity topping, they’re the kind of dessert that everyone loves. Whether you’re planning a party, prepping a weeknight treat, or filling a dessert tray, these bars are sure to satisfy.

Their chilled, creamy texture makes them especially refreshing in spring and summer. And since they store and slice so well, they're also great for gifting or sharing. Make a batch today and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor, ease, and sweetness!