Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
When I first made these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, it was on a whim—I had a craving for something sweet but also wanted a dessert that felt special. Little did I know, this would become a household favorite!
The moment I pulled these beauties out of the oven, the aroma filled the kitchen with warm, buttery, and fruity goodness. My kids immediately ran over, asking what smelled so amazing. As soon as they took their first bite, their eyes lit up! The contrast of the soft, rich brownie layer, the smooth and tangy cheesecake, and the delightful crunch of the crumbly strawberry topping was simply irresistible.
I love making these because they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia—reminiscent of those strawberry shortcake ice cream bars we all adored as kids, but in brownie form! They’re perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or even a special weekend treat. Plus, they look absolutely stunning on a dessert tray, making them a guaranteed showstopper.
I know you’ll love this recipe as much as my family does. Whether you’re looking for something unique to bake for a gathering or just want to treat yourself, these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars won’t disappoint!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes! If you’re short on time, a strawberry-flavored boxed brownie mix will work just fine. However, making them from scratch enhances the flavor and texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded together. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture affecting the texture.
How do I store these brownies?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to three months.
What You Need to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
For the Brownie Layer:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup strawberry puree (or strawberry extract for a stronger flavor)
Red food coloring (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
3 tablespoons melted butter
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make the Brownie Layer: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in flour, salt, and baking powder. Finally, fold in the strawberry puree and food coloring if using.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
Assemble: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over it.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set. Let cool completely.
Make the Crunch Topping: Mix crushed vanilla wafers, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until crumbly.
Top and Serve: Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the cooled brownies. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Use high-quality freeze-dried strawberries for the crunch topping—it makes a difference in flavor and texture.
Let them chill before slicing. This helps set the layers and makes them easier to cut neatly.
Adjust the sweetness by tweaking the sugar in the cheesecake layer if you prefer a more tangy contrast.
Try different bases: Swap out the strawberry brownie for a vanilla or chocolate base for a fun twist.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were a hit at my daughter’s birthday party! Everyone asked for the recipe.” – Sarah J.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I loved how easy this was to make! The crunch topping really takes it over the top.” – Melissa T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really delicious, but next time I’ll add more strawberry extract for an even stronger flavor.” – James R.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tastes just like a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar! So nostalgic and fun!” – Emily C.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “They were good, but I found the cheesecake layer a little too rich for my taste. Might use less sugar next time.” – Katie M.
Printable Recipe
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Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies combine a chewy strawberry brownie base, a luscious cheesecake layer, and a crunchy strawberry topping. A nostalgic yet modern dessert that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself!
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (or strawberry extract for a stronger flavor)
- Red food coloring (optional)
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the Brownie Layer: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in flour, salt, and baking powder. Finally, fold in the strawberry puree and food coloring if using.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over it.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set. Let cool completely.
- Make the Crunch Topping: Mix crushed vanilla wafers, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Top and Serve: Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the cooled brownies. Slice and enjoy!
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