No‑Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate spring and summer treat. With a crisp graham cracker crust and a creamy, fruity cheesecake layer, these bars are effortless to prepare—no oven required. Ready in under 20 minutes (plus chill time), they’re ideal for warm-weather gatherings or a refreshing everyday dessert. Each bite bursts with tangy strawberry flavor and indulgent creaminess. Perfectly portioned into 12 satisfying bars, this recipe offers make-ahead convenience and striking presentation. Let’s dive into the simple steps that make these bars a go-to delight year after year!
Why You’ll Love No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Refreshingly cool and creamy: No oven? No problem—these bars are chilled to perfection and delightfully smooth.
- Bright strawberry flavor: Fresh strawberries blend into the cheesecake filling, giving each bite a sweet and tangy punch.
- Simple prep, show-stopping results: Just three steps—crust, filling, chill—and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like you put in much more effort than you did.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping before events or keeping in the freezer for later treats.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup thawed Cool Whip
Optional garnish:
- Fresh strawberry slices
Step-by-Step: How to Make No‑Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Prep the pan
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift bars later.
- Make the crust
- Stir together graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the crust firmly into place using a flat-bottomed glass or a measuring cup.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the crust to firm up.
- Blend the cheesecake filling
- Blend the strawberries and sugar in a food processor until they’re finely diced.
- Add softened cream cheese and vanilla; blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl and carefully mix in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
- Assemble & chill
- Pour cheesecake filling over crust and level with a spatula.
- Wrap tightly with plastic and place in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice & serve
- Use parchment-to lift out the slab onto a board.
- Slice into 12 bars.
- Top with fresh strawberries if desired.
- Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes after freezing for easier slicing and a softer texture.
Helpful Tips
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easier blending and a smoother texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the crust—this ensures a firm base for slicing.
- Pulse strawberries just until chopped; over-blending can add too much liquid.
- For easier slicing, warm your knife under hot water and wipe between cuts for clean edges.
Substitutions And Variations
- Crust swap: Use crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or gluten-free graham crumbs.
- Fruit twist: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or mango—fresh or thawed frozen.
- Topping ideas: Drizzle with chocolate ganache, sprinkle graham crumbs, or top with whipped cream.
- Dairy-free: Substitute non-dairy cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives.
- Lighter version: Use light or reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar substitute, or reduce sweetener by ¼ cup.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freezer: Freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the countertop 30–60 minutes before serving for a creamy texture.
Nutritional Information
(approximate per bar, 12 servings)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g (Sugars: 18 g)
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
(Nutrition estimates based on standard ingredients; values may vary with substitutions.)
Serving Suggestions
- Let bars sit 5–10 minutes after removing from freezer for easier eating.
- Pair with a tall glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even sparkling rosé for a festive touch.
- Plate with a dusting of powdered sugar or extra berries for pretty presentation.
- Great at picnics, bridal showers, potlucks—these bars travel well in a cooler or insulated tote.
Frequently Asked Questions About No‑Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance—freeze overnight, then transfer to the refrigerator before serving. This saves time on entertaining day.
2. Why won’t my crust hold together?
The crust sometimes crumbles if not pressed firmly. Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to compact it tightly. Also, chilling for the full hour helps firm it.
3. My filling is runny—what happened?
This usually means the strawberries were over-blended, releasing too much moisture. Next time, pulse briefly or pat strawbs dry. Also, ensure cream cheese is fully softened to blend smoothly with no lumps.
4. How do I slice clean bars?
Run the knife under hot water, dry it, then slice in one confident swipe. Wipe the blade between cuts for smooth edges.
5. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes—but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy filling. Pat dry with paper towels before pulsing.
6. Are these bars gluten-free?
Not as written—but you can easily substitute gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs for a gluten-free option.
Conclusion
I truly appreciate you joining me in the kitchen for this recipe! These No‑Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars hold a special place in my heart—they’re easy to prepare, bursting with fruity sweetness, and perfect for warmer days. I love how the creamy cheesecake melds with bright strawberries, and I hope you find as much joy in each bite as I do. These bars are bound to delight—whether you’re sharing them at a party, treating yourself, or surprising someone special. Wishing you happy, stress-free cooking and a delicious journey ahead—your support makes this community so much richer. Enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!
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No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are creamy, fruity, and simple to make—perfect for summer parties or a refreshing family treat. With a graham cracker crust and strawberry cheesecake filling, this no-bake dessert is a crowd favorite. Prep ahead and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. Try it today!
Ingredients
For the crust:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
For the filling:
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups chopped strawberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
Optional garnish:
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prep the pan
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift bars later.
- Make the crust
- Stir together graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the crust firmly into place using a flat-bottomed glass or a measuring cup.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the crust to firm up.
- Blend the cheesecake filling
- Blend the strawberries and sugar in a food processor until they’re finely diced.
- Add softened cream cheese and vanilla; blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl and carefully mix in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
- Assemble & chill
- Pour cheesecake filling over crust and level with a spatula.
- Wrap tightly with plastic and place in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice & serve
- Use parchment-to lift out the slab onto a board.
- Slice into 12 bars.
- Top with fresh strawberries if desired.
- Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes after freezing for easier slicing and a softer texture.
Notes
Press crust firmly using a flat-bottomed glass for best results.
Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes after removing from freezer for easier slicing.
You can use thawed frozen strawberries—just drain excess moisture first.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + Time (Chill): 4 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 4g