Name: No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 sheets); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; Fresh sliced strawberries; Whipped cream

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When it is too hot to turn on the oven, these No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate summer rescue. They are cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor without a minute of baking time.

This recipe uses a double dose of strawberry flavor: fresh berries blended directly into the cheesecake filling and sliced berries (or a jammy topping) for garnish. The texture is mousse-like and airy, thanks to folding in whipped cream, but it sets firm enough to slice into perfect squares after a chill in the freezer. It’s like eating a frozen strawberry cloud on a buttery graham cracker crust.

Why You Will Make These All Summer

Oven-Free: Keeps your kitchen cool during heatwaves.
Real Fruit Flavor: We use real blended strawberries, not artificial flavorings or Jell-O packets.
Make-Ahead Friendly: They need time to set, so they are actually better when made a day in advance.
Crowd Pleaser: Easier to serve than a round cheesecake just slice into squares and hand them out.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Author: danyrecipes
Total Time: 20
Yield: 16 bars

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Description

A refreshing, no-bake summer dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, mousse-like strawberry filling made with fresh berries. Frozen to perfection for a cool treat.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 sheets)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Strawberry Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 cup heavy whipping cream

For Garnish:

Fresh sliced strawberries

Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.

2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Freeze for 20 minutes.

3. While the crust chills, whip the heavy cream in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

4. In a blender or food processor, combine softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, strawberries, vanilla, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Transfer the strawberry mixture to a large bowl. Gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain.

6. Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight.

8. To serve, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares while frozen. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly before eating.

Notes

**Softening Tip:** Ensure your cream cheese is truly room temperature or even slightly warm to avoid lumps in the filling.

**Slicing Tip:** Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for clean, sharp edges.

Prep Time: 20
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust: A simple mix of graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a little sugar to hold it together.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese works best. Make sure it is completely softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries are ideal. You will blend some for the filling and slice some for topping.
Heavy Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, this lightens the filling and gives it that airy, mousse-like texture.
Sugar: Sweetens the tart berries and cream cheese.
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the strawberry flavor and cuts the richness.

How to Make It (Blend, Pour, Freeze)

Press the Crust. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan. Freeze for 15-20 minutes to set.
Blend the Filling. In a food processor or blender, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, strawberries, vanilla, and lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth and pink.
Whip the Cream. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Fold Gently. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry cream cheese mixture. Do not overmix, or you will lose the airiness.
Freeze. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Cover and freeze for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) until firm.
Slice & Serve. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares while frozen, then let them sit for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before eating.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Oreo Crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos for a chocolate-strawberry version.
Jam Swirl: Drop dollops of strawberry jam onto the filling before freezing and swirl with a knife for a marbled look.
Lemon Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for a Strawberry Lemonade vibe.
Pretzel Crust: Use crushed pretzels instead of graham crackers for a salty-sweet combo.
Topping Bar: Serve plain bars with bowls of fresh berries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce so guests can decorate their own.

Final Thoughts

These bars are the definition of low-effort, high-reward. They look beautiful, taste fresh, and require zero heat. Just remember to clear some space in your freezer before you start!