Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, especially during the spring! The perfect combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Each time I prepare these bars, I'm amazed at how quickly they come together and how every bite is bursting with flavor. I can hardly resist sneaking a few bites before serving! They are ideal for gatherings, and I guarantee they will impress anyone you share them with.

Created by

Rebecca Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:25:35.794Z

When making these Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, I found that using fresh strawberries really elevates the flavor. I used ripe berries, and their natural sweetness complemented the creamy cheesecake filling perfectly. The best part? I learned that chilling the bars for a few hours intensifies the flavor even more, allowing the chocolate and strawberries to truly meld together.

Each time I serve these bars, they disappear in minutes! A tip I picked up is to add a touch of vanilla extract to the cheesecake mixture, which adds an incredible depth of flavor. The texture is creamy and rich, but the strawberries keep it from feeling too heavy. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Decadent chocolate paired with fresh strawberries
Creamy, smooth texture that melts in your mouth
Easy to make and perfect for sharing

      

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When making Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, the quality of your ingredients significantly influences the final outcome. Using high-quality cream cheese is vital for ensuring a smooth and creamy texture that enhances the overall richness. Opt for full-fat varieties over reduced-fat to achieve that velvety mouthfeel. Likewise, using fresh, ripe strawberries is essential, as their natural sweetness and tartness help to balance the richness of the chocolate. I recommend selecting strawberries that are firm and vibrant in color for the best results.

Additionally, for the chocolate cookie crust, consider using chocolate wafers or Oreos for a rich, deep flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs, which can provide a similar texture and taste. The contrast between the crunchy crust and the creamy filling is one of the highlights of this dessert, so don’t skip on the quality of these ingredients.

Tips for Perfecting the Cheesecake Filling

Achieving a smooth and luscious cheesecake filling is all about the mixing technique. Start by ensuring that your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature; this step prevents lumps and helps it blend seamlessly with the sugar. When incorporating the eggs, add them one at a time and mix just until combined. Overmixing can introduce air bubbles, causing the filling to rise and crack during baking. It’s best to mix at a low speed to maintain a dense, creamy consistency.

After baking, cooling the cheesecake slowly at room temperature before refrigerating is crucial. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks and ensures even set. If you find that your cheesecake has developed cracks, don’t worry! You can cover them with sliced strawberries or chocolate shavings, which adds a beautiful touch and obscures any imperfections.

Storing and Serving Tips

These Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be prepared a day in advance, making them an excellent choice for gatherings. Once cooled and chilled, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to four days, but I find they are best enjoyed within the first two days for optimal freshness. If you have leftovers, try serving them slightly warmed or topping them with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.

If you're looking to scale this recipe, you can easily double it and bake it in a larger 9x13 inch baking dish. Just remember to adjust the baking time, potentially adding an additional five to ten minutes to ensure the center is set properly. This makes it a perfect dessert for larger gatherings while still retaining that delicious combination of strawberry and chocolate.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious bars:

For the crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

For the topping:

½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons chocolate shavings (optional)

Once you have everything ready, you can start preparing the bars!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars:

Prepare the crust

In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Make the filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped strawberries.

Fill and bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Add topping and serve

Once chilled, top the cheesecake with sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings, if desired. Cut into bars and serve chilled.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!

Pro Tips

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a creamy filling without lumps. You can also substitute the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor twist.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with flavors in this recipe! For a minty twist, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the cheesecake filling. This will create a refreshing contrast with the chocolate and strawberries. Additionally, you could swap the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries, depending on what's in season or your personal preference. Each fruit brings a different flavor profile that can enhance the bars uniquely.

Another fun way to add depth to your bars is by incorporating flavored chocolate into the crust. Try using dark chocolate cookies for a more intense chocolate taste, or even chocolate-dipped wafer cookies. By mixing up the types of chocolate used throughout the dessert, you'll be able to create layers of flavor that make each bite even more enjoyable.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cheesecake filling does not set properly after the baking time, it may need a little more time in the oven. Check it by gently shaking the pan; the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. If it looks too undercooked, return it to the oven for 5-minute intervals until fully set. Always allow it to cool gradually, as sudden temperature changes can lead to cracks.

For those who run into a crumbly crust that won’t hold together well, adding a little more melted butter or a spoonful of cream cheese to the crust mixture can help. Ensure it holds together when pressed with your fingers before baking. If you notice the crust darkening too much before the filling is set, consider covering it lightly with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the cheesecake completes baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

→ How long do the bars last in the fridge?

The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, if kept in an airtight container.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just let them chill well before serving.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese or mascarpone for a different taste, although the texture may vary.