Strawberries & Cream Cheesecake Swirled Bars – Creamy, Fruity, and Gorgeous

Sweet, creamy, and swirled with fresh strawberry flavor — these Strawberries & Cream Cheesecake Swirled Bars are pure dessert magic. With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety vanilla cheesecake, and ribbons of homemade strawberry puree, every bite is the perfect balance of fruity and rich.

These bars are easier to make than a full cheesecake, but just as impressive. They slice beautifully, store well, and look stunning on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a brunch, or just a sweet weekend treat, this recipe delivers bakery-level results right from your own kitchen.

🍓 Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars

• Beautifully swirled: The strawberry swirl creates a gorgeous marbled look.
• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy—just fresh strawberries and classic cheesecake staples.
• Creamy texture: Smooth, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth creamy.
• Perfect for parties: Easy to slice and serve in neat squares.
• Make-ahead friendly: Even better after chilling overnight!

These cheesecake bars strike the perfect harmony between sweet strawberries and creamy vanilla — a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese – softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for stability)

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries – hulled and chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

👩‍🍳 How to Make Strawberries & Cream Cheesecake Swirled Bars

Step 1: Preheat and prep.
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Make the crust.
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the strawberry swirl.
In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until berries break down and the sauce thickens slightly. Blend until smooth, then let cool completely.

Step 4: Make the cheesecake batter.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (no lumps). Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Then beat in sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour just until combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 5: Assemble the cheesecake.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Spoon small dollops of the strawberry puree over the top, then use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the puree through the batter to create a marbled pattern.

Step 6: Bake.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for about 1 hour.

Step 7: Chill.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before cutting. The chilling process gives the bars that creamy, luscious texture.

Step 8: Slice and serve.
Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream if desired.

Strawberries & Cream Cheesecake Swirled Bars

Creamy cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust and swirls of fresh strawberry puree. A beautiful and delicious dessert for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs large
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Strawberry Swirl

• 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled and chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Saucepan
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar; press into the pan. Bake 8 minutes and cool.
3. Cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until soft; blend until smooth and cool.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and flour; mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter over crust. Add strawberry puree in dollops and swirl gently.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes until set. Cool, then chill at least 4 hours before slicing.

Notes

Best served chilled with fresh strawberries on top. Can be made 1 day in advance.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Swirl Bars

1. Blend your strawberries smooth: This ensures your swirl looks clean and doesn’t bleed.
2. Cool completely before chilling: Rapid temperature changes can cause cracks.
3. Don’t over-swirl: A few gentle figure-eights are enough for that beautiful marbled look.
4. Use room temperature ingredients: Cream cheese and eggs should be soft for a silky filling.
5. Line your pan: Parchment paper makes removing and slicing a breeze.

🍰 Flavor Variations

• Blueberries & Cream: Swap strawberries for blueberries for a tangy twist.
• Raspberry Cheesecake Bars: Use raspberries for a bold, tart flavor contrast.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a melted white or dark chocolate drizzle before serving.
• Shortbread Crust: Substitute graham crackers with crushed shortbread cookies for a richer crust.
• Swirl Combo: Combine strawberry and raspberry purees for a vibrant two-tone swirl.

🎀 Serving Ideas

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
• Top each bar with a slice of fresh strawberry or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Serve chilled alongside coffee or iced tea for a refreshing treat.
• Perfect for spring brunches, Mother’s Day, or summer picnics.

🧁 Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Make Ahead: Ideal for meal prep or party planning—flavors develop even better after a night in the fridge.

🍓 A Little Cheesecake History

Cheesecake has been adored for centuries, but the “bar” version was born from practicality—giving all the creamy flavor in an easy-to-slice, travel-friendly form. Add strawberries to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect balance of tangy fruit and rich creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.

❤️ Final Thoughts

These Strawberries & Cream Cheesecake Swirled Bars are the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. The creamy cheesecake base, buttery crust, and strawberry swirl make each square feel special and homemade.

Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, these cheesecake bars are sure to brighten any day — sweet, pretty, and pure comfort in dessert form.