Indulge in the creamy, fruity goodness of this easy recipe for no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars! Perfect for hot summer days when you crave a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
When the summer heat hits and you’re craving a delicious dessert without the fuss of baking, turn to these no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars.
What is no-bake strawberry cheesecake? Made with a buttery graham cracker pie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries, strawberry cheesecake bars are perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Unlike traditional cheesecakes, this no bake cheesecake recipe requires no baking and sets in the refrigerator, making it a quick and easy dessert to prepare.
The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries creates a refreshing and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply treating yourself on a lazy afternoon, this creamy strawberry cheesecake is sure to impress with their refreshing flavor and easy preparation.
How Do You Make A No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake?
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
For the filling:
- 2 8oz blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 lb of fresh strawberries
- 1 cup of whipped topping
- ¼ cup of heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
To make the homemade graham cracker crust, start by breaking graham crackers into small pieces. You can crush them into fine crumbs in a food processor, blender, or manually inside a ziploc bag using a rolling pin or your hands.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar to make a simple graham cracker crust.
Press mixture down into an even layer firmly into an 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper to create the crust.
Place in the freezer for 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
In the bowl of a food processor or blender, puree the strawberries.
For a smoother cheesecake layer, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
To make the no bake cheesecake filling, combine cream cheese, whipped topping, heavy cream, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Beat cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer until creamy.
Mix the strawberry puree into the cream cheese filling until combined.
Take the crust out of the freezer and evenly spread the strawberry cheesecake filling on top.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Once set, remove the bars from the pan, cut into squares, and serve chilled.
Garnish the top of the cheesecake with your favorite toppings
These bars will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, although they’re so delicious they’re unlikely to last that long!
Try These Recipes:
- Desserts Using Cool Whip
- No Bake Dessert Recipes
- No Bake Summer Dessert Recipes
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
- Mini Cheesecakes
- Strawberry-Flavored Desserts
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe FAQs
Why is my no-bake cheesecake not firming up?
If your no-bake cheesecake isn’t firming up, first, ensure you’ve allowed sufficient chilling time, typically at least 4 hours or overnight. Temperature and humidity in your kitchen can also affect the setting process, so place the cheesecake in the coldest part of your fridge and cover it well. If needed, you can briefly freeze the cheesecake to firm it up.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones for the topping?
While fresh fruit is preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture in the topping.
Can I make these bars ahead of time and freeze them?
Yes, you can make these bars in advance and freeze them for later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Absolutely! You can customize the prepared crust to your liking. Oreo cookie crust, shortbread, or even a nut-based crust can be used as a delicious alternative.
Can I use a different fruit topping besides strawberries?
Absolutely! You can customize the topping with other fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry blend for variety. You can also use your favorite fruit pie filling such as blueberry pie filling or cherry pie filling.
no bake strawberry cheesecake bars
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- For the filling:
- 2 8oz blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 lb of fresh strawberries
- 1 cup of whipped topping
- ¼ cup of heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
To make graham cracker crumbs, start by breaking graham crackers into small pieces. You can crush them into fine crumbs in a food processor, blender, or manually inside a ziploc bag using a rolling pin or your hands.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar to make a simple graham cracker crust.
Press down an even layer firmly into an 8x8 baking dish lined with parchment paper to create the crust.
Place in the freezer for 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
In the bowl of a food processor or blender, puree the strawberries.
Combine cream cheese, whipped topping, heavy cream, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Beat cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer until creamy.
Mix in strawberry puree until combined.
Take the crust out of the freezer and evenly spread the strawberry cheesecake filling on top.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the cheesecake bars are set.
Once set, cut into bars. To achieve clean and smooth slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it clean before each cut. This prevents the filling from sticking to the knife.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles if desired.
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for a few days to enjoy later.
Contains affiliate links.