Print

Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars feature a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling atop a crisp graham cracker crust, topped with a homemade fresh strawberry sauce and drizzled with white chocolate. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy flavors, these bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11–12 full crackers)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp butter (melted)

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)

Strawberry Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
  • 5 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp cornstarch

Toppings

  • ½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling, ensuring the paper extends over the sides for easy removal, then spray with baking spray.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly combined, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a flat measuring cup or tamper to create a compact crust layer.
  3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract on medium speed using hand beaters until smooth and well combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time and mix on low speed just until combined; be careful not to overmix to avoid cracking during baking.
  5. Bake the cheesecake bars: Pour the filling evenly over the crust and bake in the preheated oven 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. After cooling, refrigerate the bars in the pan for an additional 3-4 hours to fully set.
  6. Prepare the strawberry sauce: While the cheesecake bars bake, combine chopped strawberries, 5 tbsp sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and turns a deep red color, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  7. Slice the bars: Once fully chilled, use a large, sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into 8-10 even slices.
  8. Top with strawberry sauce: Spoon or spread the cooled strawberry sauce over each bar, spreading it to the edges. For the original Philadelphia Snack Bar style, create a small well in the center of each bar before adding the sauce (see Notes).
  9. Drizzle white chocolate: Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Transfer melted chocolate to a small plastic zipper bag, cut a tiny hole in one corner, and drizzle over the strawberry topping. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • To create the classic Philadelphia Snack Bar look, cut a shallow well in the center of each cheesecake bar before adding the strawberry sauce, which allows the sauce to pool attractively.
  • Allow the cheesecake bars to chill thoroughly; this ensures clean slices and a firm texture.
  • Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Using room temperature eggs helps prevent cracks and ensures an even bake.
  • White chocolate drizzle adds a lovely sweetness and decorative finish, but can be omitted if preferred.

Keywords: Philadelphia cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars recipe, strawberry cheesecake bars, graham cracker crust cheesecake, easy cheesecake dessert

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/philadelphia-strawberry-cheesecake-bars-with-white-chocolate-drizzle-recipe/