Chef Mitchell preparing Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon this Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars recipe while experimenting with flavors in my kitchen. The combination of strawberries and chocolate captivated my palate, leading me to perfect the recipe over many trials. Now, it's a staple in my dessert repertoire, loved by all who taste it."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating delightful dessert recipes that bring joy to any table. My culinary journey began in a prestigious culinary school, where I developed a passion for sweet creations.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars served on a plate

Why This Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to the delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy cheesecake base pairs perfectly with the tartness of strawberries, while the chocolate adds a decadent touch. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

The technique of swirling the chocolate into the cheesecake creates a beautiful visual presentation while ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The use of fresh strawberries elevates the dish, making it not just a dessert but a memorable experience.

💡 Professional Tip

To achieve the best texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smooth filling without lumps. Also, let the bars chill thoroughly in the fridge to set properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. In fact, they taste even better after chilling in the fridge overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. Both alternatives provide a similar creaminess but with a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are well blended for a smooth filling.

The bars are done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to cracks in the cheesecake.

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can last up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries or chocolate drizzle also make great toppings!

In the fridge, these cheesecake bars will last for about 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.

Yes, they can be made a day ahead. Preparing them in advance allows the flavors to develop fully. Just remember to refrigerate them until you're ready to serve.

These bars are best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn't recommended. However, if you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for a few seconds to slightly warm them up, but be careful not to overheat.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cheesecake bars turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking.

Solution: To prevent this, always keep an eye on the baking time and check for the jiggle in the center. Remember, they will set as they cool.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: A crust that isn't crispy can result from not baking it long enough.

Solution: Ensure you press the crust mixture firmly into the pan and bake it for the recommended time to achieve that perfect crunch.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked cheesecake can lead to cracks and a grainy texture.

Prevention: Always bake at the recommended temperature and check for doneness early to prevent overcooking.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center is undercooked, it will be too soft and may not hold together.

Recovery: Return the bars to the oven for a few more minutes, checking frequently until the edges are set.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt edges may happen if the bars are placed too close to the heating element.

Prevention: Bake in the center of the oven and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven's temperature is accurate.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If too salty, you can reduce the salt in the crust next time.

Bland: If they're bland, a touch more vanilla extract or some lemon juice can enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

The key ingredients for these bars include fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and chocolate. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the desired taste and texture. Using ripe strawberries ensures the bars are sweet and flavorful.

Quality chocolate and cream cheese are essential for the best flavor. Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich taste, and make sure your cream cheese is fresh for a creamy consistency.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh strawberries is crucial for the right flavor. Look for bright red berries with no blemishes. If strawberries aren't in season, opt for high-quality frozen ones, thawed and drained.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that blends well with the other ingredients.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Choose good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor. It should melt smoothly and blend well into the cheesecake mixture for a rich taste.
Cooking process for Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for these cheesecake bars involves simple steps that yield impressive results. From making the crust to preparing the creamy filling and combining flavors, each step is straightforward and rewarding.

Achieving perfect results relies on following the instructions closely and ensuring each layer is prepared correctly. The key is to ensure a smooth batter and a well-pressed crust.

Key Technique for Perfect Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

The most important technique is ensuring the cream cheese is properly softened and blended. This allows for a creamy and smooth cheesecake filling that doesn’t have lumps, resulting in a perfect texture once baked.

Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
    Light
  • 1/2 cup cream
    Heavy

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    For the crust
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    Melted
  • 2 cups cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 2 large eggs
    At room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries
    Mashed
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    Melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lined baking pan.

  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

    In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, cornstarch, and salt.

  3. Add Strawberries

    Fold in the mashed strawberries into the cheesecake mixture until well blended.

  4. Pour Filling over Crust

    Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.

  5. Melt Chocolate

    In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.

  6. Swirl Chocolate into Filling

    Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cheesecake filling and use a knife to create a marbled effect.

  7. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool at room temperature.

  8. Chill and Serve

    Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, they will last for about 4-5 days. If you have a large batch, consider freezing individual portions for later enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cheesecake bars chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh strawberries make an excellent garnish for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Variations

For a different flavor profile, try adding fresh raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate for a richer taste.