Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup melted chocolate (dark or milk); 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; Chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely fell in love with these Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars the first time I made them. Combining smooth chocolate with the juicy freshness of strawberries, these bars quickly became a hit at family gatherings. The process is surprisingly simple, yet the results are extraordinary—rich flavors and creamy textures that make every bite a delight. I love how they can be prepared ahead of time, which makes them perfect for potlucks or summer parties. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe!

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:10:11.862Z

When I first tried making cheesecake bars, I was on a quest to find the perfect balance of flavors. After many attempts, I discovered that pairing luscious chocolate with fresh strawberries created a heavenly combination. The richness of the chocolate elevates the slight tartness of the strawberries, making every bite irresistible.

As I perfected the recipe, I learned that allowing the bars to chill thoroughly enhances the flavors even more. This wait is truly worth it and makes the texture incredibly creamy. Enjoy these bars as a dessert or a gourmet snack; they never disappoint!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Decadent layering of chocolate, cheesecake, and strawberries
Perfectly balanced sweetness with a touch of tanginess
A stunning dessert that impresses without overwhelming effort

      

Mastering the Chocolate Layer

When incorporating the melted chocolate into the filling, ensure that it is not too hot; you want it warm but not bubbling. This will prevent the cream cheese from curdling. Mix until completely blended to achieve a uniform, glossy batter. For those who prefer a less intense chocolate flavor, using milk chocolate or a mix of dark and milk can soften the richness without sacrificing creaminess.

To enhance the chocolate layer, consider adding a touch of espresso powder to the melted chocolate. This addition intensifies the chocolate flavor without overwhelming the palate and creates a beautiful depth in the final product. Ensure that you mix the espresso powder in while the chocolate is still warm to allow it to dissolve fully.

Pleasing Strawberries in Every Bite

Choosing the right strawberries is essential for this recipe. Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries that are bright red and fragrant. This will not only enhance the flavor but also contribute a visually appealing color contrast against the chocolate cheesecake. If strawberries are not available, you could swap in raspberries or even freeze-dried berries for a unique twist.

When folding the chopped strawberries into the cheesecake mixture, be gentle to maintain their integrity. Overmixing can break the strawberries down too much, leading to a mushy texture in your final cheesecake bars. You want those juicy bursts of strawberry to shine through, providing a lovely freshness that complements the rich chocolate.

Preparing for Success

Make-ahead preparation is one of the best features of these cheesecake bars. After baking and chilling, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the uncut cheesecake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, ensuring there are no air pockets. It can last up to three months frozen, and simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

If you want to serve these cheesecake bars for special occasions, consider drizzling a raspberry coulis or a chocolate sauce over the top for added flavor and elegance. Both sauces can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. This little extra touch can make a world of difference when presenting your dessert.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious bars:

For the crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup melted chocolate (dark or milk)
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

For the topping:

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Ensure to have all the ingredients prepped for an easy assembly process.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create the cheesecake bars:

Prepare the crust

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9x9-inch baking pan to form an even crust.

Make the filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.

Fold in the melted chocolate and chopped strawberries gently.

Bake and cool

Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Serve and enjoy

Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into bars and top with sliced strawberries and optional chocolate shavings. Serve cold for the best texture.

Share these delightful bars with your loved ones for a truly satisfying treat!

Pro Tips

Be sure to use high-quality chocolate for the filling to achieve the best flavor. Chilling the bars overnight will enhance their taste and make slicing easier.

Tips on Baking

For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time, especially if your oven has hot spots. Look for the edges to be set and the center to have a slight jiggle when done. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge for chilling; this helps prevent cracks in the surface during cooling.

If you find the cheesecake top is browning too quickly while baking, you can tent it with aluminum foil to avoid over-baking while allowing the center to cook fully. This can often happen in ovens that run hot, so keeping an eye on it during the last ten minutes of baking is key.

Serving Suggestions

For an impressive display, consider plating with a small scoop of whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche on the side when serving. This soft addition balances the richness of the bars perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and a refreshing hint of flavor.

If you want to personalize each serving, offer a variety of toppings such as crushed nuts, flavored syrups, or additional fresh fruit. Each guest can customize their dessert, making the experience interactive and fun. Alternatively, you can create a dessert platter featuring other treats for a delightful potluck spread.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies or ground oats. The cocoa powder will still provide the necessary chocolate flavor, but read labels to ensure the alternate ingredients are gluten-free if necessary.

For a lower-fat option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese, though this might slightly alter the creaminess of the bars. When using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, keep in mind that these can vary in sweetness; adjust the quantities carefully to maintain the desired sweetness without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long can I store these cheesecake bars?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.

→ Can I make these cheesecake bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure they are well wrapped.