No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, luscious dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with a rich strawberry cheesecake filling and homemade whipped cream. Perfect for warm days or when you want a quick, indulgent treat without turning on the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-11 whole graham crackers)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup strawberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest from ½ medium lemon
- 2 cups homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottoms of your serving cups or an 8×8-inch pan. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Whipped Cream: Using a cold bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use to maintain firmness.
- Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add granulated sugar and powdered sugar, beating well until fully combined. Incorporate the sour cream, strawberry preserves, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until the filling is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the 2 cups of homemade whipped cream into the cheesecake filling, being careful not to deflate the airiness of the whipped cream, ensuring a light and creamy filling.
- Assemble the Bars: Spoon the strawberry cheesecake filling over the chilled graham cracker crusts, smoothing the top evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours or preferably overnight until the bars are fully set and chilled.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Use cold bowls and beaters for making whipped cream to achieve stiff peaks easily.
- Strawberry preserves can be substituted with fresh mashed strawberries plus sugar for a fresher taste.
- Refrigerate the bars well to allow them to firm up properly before serving.
- For individual servings, assemble in small cups or jars for easy portion control and presentation.
