Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup whipped cream; Additional fresh strawberries, for garnish; Chocolate shavings, for decoration

Highlighted under: Modern Cooking

I absolutely love making Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars because they perfectly blend creamy cheesecake with the rich flavors of chocolate and the fruitiness of strawberries. Every time I make these bars, friends and family can’t get enough of the deliciousness! The crust has a delightful crunch while the cheesecake filling is smooth and luscious. With each bite, you experience a burst of freshness from the strawberries, which makes it an indulgent yet refreshing treat. Trust me, once you try these bars, they will become a favorite for any occasion!

Created by

Saskia Morton

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:49:34.316Z

When I first experimented with Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, I wanted to create something that was both visually stunning and delicious. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is timeless, and I knew this would be a hit. After several tries, I discovered that using fresh strawberries not only enhanced the flavor but also added a lovely texture to the creamy cheesecake.

One amazing trick I found is to let the bars chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more intense taste experience. So, don’t rush; the waiting is absolutely worth it! Each slice offers you a perfect harmony of flavors that you just can’t resist.

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Decadent chocolate base that complements the creamy cheesecake
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and color
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home

      

Crafting the Perfect Crust

A solid crust is the foundation of any cheesecake bar, and these Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are no exception. The combination of chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter creates a rich and slightly sweet base. Be sure to press the crumbs firmly into the baking pan; this prevents the crust from crumbling when slicing. Baking it for 10 minutes is crucial—not only does it set the crust, but it also enhances the flavors by slightly crisping the edges, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.

For those who may want to experiment, consider substituting the chocolate cookie crumbs with regular graham cracker crumbs for a different flavor profile. You can also add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture, which helps to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake filling. Just remember, this adjustment may require you to slightly adjust the sugar in the filling to maintain the overall sweetness.

Mastering the Cheesecake Filling

When preparing the cheesecake filling, it's important to start with softened cream cheese. This ensures a smooth and lump-free texture. To soften cream cheese quickly, cut it into chunks and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it! Mixing the sugar gradually helps incorporate air, which contributes to a light texture in your final cheesecake bars.

It's also essential to fold in the strawberries gently after making the filling. Over-mixing can break down the fruit and turn your mixture a muddy color. Instead, aim to see those beautiful slices of strawberries throughout the filling. This visual appeal accentuates the dish's freshness and ensures that each bite carries bits of strawberry goodness.

Cooling and Serving Tips

Cooling the cheesecake slowly is a key step to prevent cracking. Leaving it in the oven with the door ajar after baking allows for gradual temperature transition. After removing it from the oven, let it cool to room temperature for about an hour before refrigerating. Chilling for 4 hours or more makes slicing easier and enhances the flavors as they meld together. If you can manage to refrigerate it overnight, you’ll find the bars become even creamier and more flavorful.

When serving, using a sharp knife warmed briefly under hot water can help create clean, beautiful cuts. For an elegant presentation, consider serving these bars on a platter with reserved fresh strawberries around them, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream on top. The combination of textures—creamy, crunchy, and fruity—will delight everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start:

For the crust:

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

For the cheesecake filling:

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

For the topping:

1 cup whipped cream
Additional fresh strawberries, for garnish
Chocolate shavings, for decoration

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a stunning dessert:

Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.

Make the cheesecake filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

Add strawberries

Gently fold in the sliced strawberries into the cheesecake mixture until evenly distributed. Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the baking pan.

Bake the cheesecake

Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the center is set but slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for an additional 10 minutes.

Cool and chill

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Serve

Once chilled, lift the cheesecake from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Top with whipped cream, additional strawberries, and chocolate shavings before slicing into bars and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try drizzling some chocolate sauce over the whipped cream before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you need to make them in advance, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

If you prefer to make this recipe a bit healthier or cater to dietary restrictions, cream cheese can be swapped for low-fat or vegan cream cheese options. Additionally, using coconut cream can give you a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing flavor. Just ensure any swaps decrease moisture levels slightly to maintain the desired texture.

Flavor Variations

While chocolate and strawberry are a classic combination, don't hesitate to mix things up! Consider using raspberry or blueberry instead of strawberries for a different berry twist. Alternatively, you can add a swirl of fruit puree on top of the filling before baking for a visually stunning effect. This technique adds both flavor and height, making your bars even more appealing.

For added richness, swirl in melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache just before baking. This can intensify the chocolate flavor and give your bars a luxurious finish. If you do this, keep an eye on the baking time as it may slightly alter how quickly the cheesecake sets.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long do these bars last in the fridge?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a different flavor profile.