Introduction

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are a delicious twist on the classic cheesecake, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy filling and a fresh strawberry topping. These bars are perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any day of the week.

The image shows rectangular strawberry cheesecake bars with three clear layers: a bottom layer of light brown crumbly crust, a thick middle layer of smooth pale cream cheese filling, and a top layer of shiny red strawberry topping with strawberry pieces visible. White icing is drizzled in thin, wavy lines evenly over the strawberry layer. The bars are placed on a white marbled surface, where some crumbs and a spoon with extra red strawberry sauce sit nearby. There is also a halved fresh strawberry showing its inner red color and seeds near the bars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11-12 full crackers)
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp butter (melted)
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup sour cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs (room temperature)
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
5 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp water
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp cornstarch
½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with a parchment sling and spray with baking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a flat measuring cup or tamper.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, sour cream, and vanilla on medium speed until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Add eggs and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling creamy.
Step 5: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours.
Step 6: Refrigerate the bars in the pan for 3-4 hours to fully set.
Step 7: While baking, prepare the strawberry sauce. Combine the chopped strawberries, 5 tbsp sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and turns a deep red, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
Step 8: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into 8-10 even bars using a sharp knife.
Step 9: Spoon the cooled strawberry sauce over each bar, spreading it to the edges. For the original Philadelphia Snack Bar style, you can create a shallow well in the center of each bar before adding the sauce.
Step 10: Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. Transfer melted chocolate to a zipper bag, cut a small hole in one corner, and drizzle over the bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother filling without lumps.
Swap fresh strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to change up the topping flavor.
If you prefer a firmer crust, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
For a more decadent touch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the strawberry sauce before the white chocolate drizzle.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them in the baking pan or transfer to an airtight container. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows several rectangular dessert bars with three clear layers: a crumbly light brown base at the bottom, a thick creamy white middle layer, and a shiny bright red strawberry topping with pieces of fruit visible inside. Each bar is decorated with thin white icing drizzled evenly across the top. The bars are placed on a white marbled surface, with a sliced strawberry and a spoon holding extra red topping nearby. The spoon rests close to the front right corner of the image, adding a sense of freshness and texture to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures they slice cleanly.

Can I freeze Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars before adding the strawberry topping. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and add the topping fresh.