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Easy No-Bake Firecracker Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

no-bake firecracker strawberry cheesecake bars - featured image
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A quick and easy no-bake cheesecake bar featuring a creamy cream cheese layer topped with a sweet-tart firecracker strawberry topping, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/3 cup (110g) strawberry jam
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red hot candy pieces or finely crushed red candy (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Transfer the crumb mixture to an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
  4. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, preserving the airiness.
  6. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top and return to the fridge to set for at least 1 hour.
  7. In a small bowl, mix sliced fresh strawberries with strawberry jam and fresh lemon juice. Fold in crushed red hot candies if using.
  8. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill for another 2 hours or overnight.
  9. Remove the bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper or running a knife along the edges. Cut into 9 or 12 squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Chill bowls and cream before whipping for best results. Press crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Fold whipped cream gently to keep mixture airy. Chill bars overnight for best flavor and slicing. Optional crushed red hot candies add a spicy kick. For gluten-free, substitute graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake bars, summer dessert, easy dessert, firecracker topping, no oven dessert

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/easy-no-bake-firecracker-strawberry-cheesecake-bars-recipe-for-perfect-summer-dessert/