The Joy of No-Bake Treats
Hello, my dear. Come sit. Let’s talk about easy no bake dessert magic. On hot days, I never want to turn on my oven. That’s why I love these no bake strawberry cheesecake bars. They are cool, creamy, and just sweet enough.
You mix, chill, and slice. No baking at all. It feels like a little kitchen secret. I still laugh at that. The first time I made them, my grandson thought I bought them from a fancy shop! What is your favorite make ahead dessert for summer?
My Little Strawberry Secret
The filling is the best part. It tastes like fresh strawberry fields. But here is my secret: freeze dried strawberries. They pack a huge punch of flavor. Doesn’t that smell amazing when you blend them?
You blend them into powder with sugar. Then you add fresh berries and cream cheese. This makes the perfect homemade cheesecake filling. It matters because real fruit flavor beats artificial any day. Your taste buds will thank you.
A Crust You Can Trust
Every good bar needs a strong base. Our graham cracker crust is simple. Just crumbs and melted butter. Press it very firmly into the pan. I use the bottom of a clean cup.
This step matters. A well-pressed crust won’t crumble when you slice it. It holds your beautiful strawberry cheesecake bars together. *Fun fact*: Graham crackers were invented to be a healthy, plain snack! We made them much more fun.
Putting It All Together
Now for the fun. You fold the pink strawberry cream into fluffy whipped cream. Gently, gently. Then spread it over your cold crust. The color is so pretty. It looks like a pink cloud.
Then the waiting starts. The pan goes into the freezer. This is why it’s a perfect make ahead dessert. Do you prefer to make treats the day before, or right when you need them?
Serving with a Smile
After it sets, you slice. Here’s a tip: run your knife under hot water first. Wipe it dry. Then cut. You will get such clean slices for your no bake cheesecake bars.
These are the ultimate crowd pleasing dessert. Everyone loves them. I bring them to picnics and parties. They always disappear fast. What is the last dessert you made that made people really happy? Share with me.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graham Crackers | 1 sleeve (9 crackers, 140g) | For the crust |
| Unsalted Butter | 5 tbsp (71g) | Melted, for the crust |
| Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup (150g) | For the cheesecake filling |
| Freeze-Dried Strawberries | 2 cups (47g) | |
| Fine Sea Salt | 1/8 tsp | |
| Cream Cheese | 16 oz (454g) | Completely softened to room temperature |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp | |
| Fresh Strawberries | 1 1/4 cups | Hulled and sliced |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup (180g) | Chilled |
Instructions
Step 1: First, line your pan with paper. Leave some hanging over the sides. This makes lifting your no bake strawberry cheesecake bars so easy later. Crush your graham crackers into fine, sandy crumbs. I use a bag and a rolling pin. (Press the crust down very, very hard so it stays together!)
Step 2: Mix the crumbs with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the pan. Now, pop it in the fridge. This graham cracker crust needs to get cold and firm. It’s the perfect base for our homemade cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Time for the magic! Blend sugar with freeze dried strawberries. They make the flavor so pink and strong. Add soft cream cheese, lemon juice, and fresh berries. Blend until it’s perfectly smooth. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
<Step 4: Whip the cold heavy cream until it’s fluffy. Gently fold the pink strawberry mixture into it. This creates the dreamiest, fluffiest no bake cheesecake bars filling. Spread it over your cold crust. Smooth the top with a spoon.
Step 5: Freeze your creation for at least four hours. This easy no bake dessert is a make ahead dessert champion! Before serving, let it soften in the fridge. What’s your favorite part of making a summer dessert recipe? Share below! Slice with a warm knife for clean bars.
Creative Twists
Berry Mix-Up: Use half freeze-dried strawberries and half raspberries for a tangy twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and zig-zag it over the top before slicing.
Mini Treats: Press the crust into a muffin tin for personal-sized strawberry cheesecake bars.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
These crowd pleasing dessert bars are wonderful alone. For a fancy touch, add a dollop of whipped cream. A few fresh strawberry slices on the side make it pretty. You could also crumble a little extra graham cracker crust on top for crunch. This is the best summer dessert recipe for a hot day. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cheesecake Bars Happy
Let’s talk about storing these lovely bars. They need a cold home. Keep them covered in your fridge for three days. For longer stays, the freezer is perfect. Wrap them well for up to two weeks.
I remember my first batch. I left it out too long. It became a delicious puddle! Now I never skip the freezer step. It makes the homemade cheesecake filling firm and sliceable.
This is a fantastic make ahead dessert. You do the work once. Then you have a sweet treat ready for days. It saves so much time when friends visit.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Three Little Hiccups and How to Fix Them
First, a crumbly crust. Press it very, very firmly into the pan. I use a measuring cup bottom. This matters because a solid base holds your beautiful bars together.
Second, soft cheesecake filling. It must freeze for four hours minimum. Overnight is even better. I once tried to rush this. Let’s just say we ate cheesecake soup!
Third, messy slices. Heat your knife under hot water. Dry it between each cut. This gives you clean edges. It makes your summer dessert recipe look store-bought.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars?
You make a simple graham cracker crust. Then blend the filling. Mix it with whipped cream. Spread it on the crust and freeze. It is an easy no bake dessert. The key is using freeze dried strawberries for a strong berry flavor and pretty pink color.
What are the ingredients for easy strawberry cheesecake bars?
You need graham crackers, butter, sugar, and salt. Also use cream cheese, lemon juice, and heavy cream. The stars are fresh strawberries and freeze dried strawberries. The freeze-dried ones make the flavor pop. This creates the perfect homemade cheesecake filling without any baking.
Can I use frozen strawberries for no-bake cheesecake bars?
I do not recommend frozen berries for the filling. They have too much water. This will make your filling runny. Stick with freeze dried strawberries for best results. They give intense flavor and the right texture. This tip ensures your no bake cheesecake bars set perfectly.
How long do no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars need to set?
They need to freeze for at least four hours. Overnight is ideal. Then let them sit in the fridge for thirty minutes before cutting. This makes them the perfect make ahead dessert. You can prepare them a full day before your party or gathering.
What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
You can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Crushed pretzels make a nice salty-sweet crust too. Any dry cookie you like will work. Just crush it finely and mix with melted butter. This lets you customize your crowd pleasing dessert for different tastes.
How do you store no-bake cheesecake bars?
Keep them covered in the fridge for three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two weeks. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge before eating. *Fun fact: The freezing step is what makes this a true no bake dessert!* This method keeps your summer dessert recipe fresh and ready.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these strawberry cheesecake bars. They are a joy to share. Nothing makes me happier than a recipe that brings people together.
I would love to hear about your baking adventure. Tell me all about it in the comments. Your stories are my favorite thing to read with my morning tea.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you and your family.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.
Easy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Description
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust:
For the cheesecake:
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on all sides.
- Place the graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until very finely ground. The more finely ground, the better the crust will stay together and not crumble.
- Add in the melted butter and pulse until moistened.
- Very firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Refrigerate.
- In the bowl of blender, combine the sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, and salt. Blend until the strawberries are powdery with no visible chunks remaining.
- Add the cream cheese, lemon juice, and fresh strawberries. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom as needed. A blender tamper can help bring the mixture together quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment to whip the cream until medium peaks form.
- Add the strawberry mixture to the whipped cream and gently fold until combined.
- Spread over prepared crust, smoothing the top.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Let sit in the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
- Run a large sharp knife under hot water, wiping it off in between slices. Cut into 9 bars.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 2 weeks. If freezing, remove from freezer and refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is fully softened and heavy cream is very cold before whipping.