Philadelphia Strawberry Bars

Irresistible Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Sink your teeth into a dreamy combo of smooth cream cheese and sweet strawberries, piled on a buttery graham crust. People love this American classic because it's easy to make and just so tasty — great for everything from family hangouts to fancy parties.

INGREDIENTS

• Cornstarch: 1 tbsp, whisked with 2 tbsp water for thickening up the topping
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp, gives a tart kick to cut through the sweetness
• Fresh strawberries: 2 cups, chopped for a bright, fruity top
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, adds cozy flavor
• Large eggs: 2, help the filling keep its shape
• Sour cream: 1/2 cup, brings a subtle zing to the filling
• Philadelphia cream cheese: Two (8 oz) blocks, softened to creamy perfection
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted — holds your crust together
• Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup for the topping, 1 cup for the filling, and 1/4 cup for the crust
• Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups, the crunchy bottom layer

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 5:

Take your chilled cheesecake, layer on the strawberry topping, pull it out using the paper, chop into bars, and enjoy sharing.

Step 4:

Make the fruity layer — cook strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and the cornstarch blend together, then set aside to cool off.

Step 3:

Whip your cream cheese, toss in sugar, blend in sour cream, splash of vanilla, then eggs — pour this mix over the crust and bake 35–40 minutes.

Step 2:

Stir your crust bits together in a bowl, press into your lined dish, bake it for ten minutes, and let it hang out to cool down.

Step 1:

Fire up the oven to 325°F, line a 9x13 pan with parchment, and get ready.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Let the bars get nice and cold before you slice for the best bite.
• Keep them sealed up in the fridge, and they'll last for around five days.

Helpful Notes

• Swap out graham crackers for digestive biscuits if you're craving something different.
• Pile on fresh sliced strawberries to make things extra pretty.

Advice from Famous Bakers

• If you want the crust to hold up better, chill it in the fridge before adding your filling — that's the secret from folks who really know their stuff.

Nailing the Best Cheesecake Bars

Letting everything chill just right is the key. If you rush it, your bars won’t get that creamy, dreamy texture.

Switching Things Up

Want more flair? Throw on a swirl of chocolate or drizzle on caramel over the strawberry top — super sweet and fun.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Totally, just thaw them out and get rid of any extra juice before you cook them.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the bottom crust.

Got any other fun topping combos?

Try blueberries, raspberries, or toss on a mix of berries for something tasty.

Can I prep these in advance?

You bet — you can make these a day ahead and keep them cold in the fridge.

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Summary

Philadelphia Strawberry Bars are a delightful choice for any celebration or family treat. A graham-cracker crust pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy center and vibrant strawberry topping. This comforting dessert comes together effortlessly, needing only 20 minutes of hands-on work before baking for 50 minutes. They're simple to stash in the fridge for up to five days, making them a great make-ahead option. Treat yourself to these crowd-pleasing sweet squares, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.