Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Sweet and tangy strawberry cheesecake bars combine buttery crust, creamy cheese topping, and strawberry preserves for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pecans, melted butter, and one egg. Mix well.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- In a medium bowl, beat the remaining egg, confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, and strawberry preserves until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until the cheesecake topping is set and lightly browned.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into 1x2-inch bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute the pecans with crushed graham crackers or oats. If you prefer a lighter cheesecake filling, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Ensure the butter is melted for better mixing, and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent cracking. For added flavor, a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the cream cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry cheesecake bars are delicious on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. Pair them with fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also make a great addition to potlucks and gatherings, perfectly complementing dishes like Nut Chocolate Drops.
Storage & Reheating
Store the strawberry cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, let them sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying, or microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars contains roughly 333 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 30g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can substitute the strawberry cake mix with any flavor you prefer, such as vanilla or chocolate. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the preserves should complement the cake mix for the best results.
What if I don't have strawberry preserves?
If strawberry preserves are unavailable, you can use any fruit preserves or jam, such as raspberry or blueberry. Alternatively, a homemade fruit sauce can be made by cooking down fresh or frozen fruit with a little sugar until thickened.
How can I tell when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The cheesecake bars are done when the top is set and lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges may start to pull away from the sides of the pan as well, indicating they are ready to cool.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).