Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Cocoa powder for dusting

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars because they combine rich flavors and creamy textures in a way that's simply irresistible. The blend of decadent chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a delightful contrast that always impresses my family and friends. It’s a fun recipe to whip up, and the best part is the creamy cheesecake filling that sits atop a crunchy chocolate crust. I can’t wait to share this treat with you—it’s perfect for any celebration or just a sweet indulgence on a cozy night in!

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:21:35.009Z

I remember the first time I made these Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars; I was amazed at how easily they came together. The chocolate crust is just a few ingredients mixed with melted butter, making it a breeze to prepare. What really makes the bars special is the savory cheesecake filling flavored with fresh strawberries, which adds a gorgeous color and enhances the taste. Instead of using regular strawberries, I recommend using ripe, sweet ones for the best flavor.

Another tip I want to share is to let the bars set in the fridge overnight. This really helps the flavors meld together and gives the bars that smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. When you're ready to serve, a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top adds a beautiful touch. Trust me, you’ll love every bite of these delightful bars!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust is critical to achieving that rich flavor we associate with dessert bars. Opting for high-quality brand cookies ensures that the crust has a deep chocolate taste and good texture. If you're looking for an alternative, graham cracker crumbs can offer a lighter flavor, but they won't provide the same intense chocolate experience. Meanwhile, using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, allowing all the flavors to shine through without distraction.

Cream cheese is the star of the filling, giving it its signature creamy texture. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this avoids lumps and helps achieve a smooth consistency when mixed with sugar. If you're in a pinch, mascarpone can serve as a luxurious substitute, lending a slightly different flavor profile but maintaining the creamy element. Incorporating fresh strawberries not only adds natural sweetness but also brightens the overall taste; be sure to puree them until smooth for even distribution.

Vanilla extract enriches the cheesecake filling, providing a fragrant backdrop that enhances the sweetness of the strawberries. When selecting vanilla, go for pure extract over imitation for a more authentic flavor. Additionally, if you want to tailor this recipe to suit dietary restrictions, consider using dairy-free cream cheese and egg replacements to make it vegan-friendly without losing the delightful texture that everyone loves.

Baking Tips for Success

When preparing your chocolate crust, a crucial step is to ensure that the crust is firmly pressed into the bottom of the baking dish. This not only creates a sturdy base for the cheesecake filling but also helps prevent it from crumbling when cut into bars. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat object to press and compact the crumbs evenly. Keeping an eye on the baking time is essential, as overbaking can lead to a dry texture—look for slightly firm edges and a still-jiggly center when done.

As you mix the cheesecake filling, remember not to overbeat the mixture after adding the eggs. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the surface when it bakes. Instead, blend until everything is just combined. A perfect cheesecake filling should be smooth, glossy, and a little thick—this thickness means it will set well in the refrigerator, preventing it from being too soft after chilling.

After baking, patience is vital. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. If you place a hot cheesecake directly into the fridge, the rapid temperature change can cause it to crack. For best results, aim to refrigerate for at least four hours; overnight chilling is ideal as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste and firmer texture.

Ingredients

For the chocolate crust

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

For the cheesecake filling

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

For garnish

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the chocolate crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes before removing it from the oven to cool.

Make the cheesecake filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until combined. Finally, fold in the pureed strawberries until just blended.

Assemble and bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled chocolate crust. Bake for 25 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Serve

Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into bars. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding a layer of raspberry puree between the crust and cheesecake filling for a delightful berry blend!

Serving Suggestions

When it's time to serve these chocolate strawberry cheesecake bars, presentation is key. Consider placing them on a decorative platter and adding a simple drizzle of chocolate ganache or whipped cream for an elegant touch. Freshly sliced strawberries not only enhance visual appeal but also provide a hint of freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich cheesecake.

For a more interactive dessert experience, consider serving these bars with a side of strawberry compote or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This can elevate the dessert and add an exciting element for guests. The combination of creamy cheesecake with different textures and temperatures will surely be a hit at your gathering.

You can easily cut these bars into smaller squares for bite-sized treats, making them ideal for parties or celebrations. If you're planning a picnic or potluck, you can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper, creating portable desserts that are easy to enjoy on the go.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These chocolate strawberry cheesecake bars store exceptionally well in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. To keep them fresh, make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer cut bars to an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and ensures the flavors remain intact.

If you plan to make these bars ahead of time for an event, you can prepare the cheesecake filling and crust separately. Bake the crust a day before and store it covered at room temperature. Then, whip up the filling and bake it just before serving for the freshest flavors. This can help streamline your baking process while still creating a delicious, impressive dessert.

Freezing is also an option if you want to prepare these bars even further in advance. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to two months. To enjoy, simply allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing.

→ How long will these cheesecake bars last?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to 5 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if needed.