Description
Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that is creamy, fruity, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. These Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Bars combine a tender cookie-style base with a smooth cheesecake layer and beautiful swirls of strawberry jam for a crowd-pleasing treat that feels perfect for spring gatherings, summer desserts, holiday trays, or anytime you need easy dessert bars. This easy recipe is ideal for dessert lovers searching for cheesecake bar recipes, strawberry dessert ideas, easy baking recipes, sweet snack ideas, party desserts, and simple homemade treats.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/3 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
4. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
6. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
7. Add the egg yolk and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix until creamy.
8. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the base.
9. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the top and swirl gently with a knife.
10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
11. Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
Do not overbake the bars. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take the pan out, because the cheesecake layer will continue to set as it cools and chills.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 214
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 128mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 43mg