Indulge in these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a dreamy dessert that combines rich, creamy cheesecake with a luscious strawberry swirl and a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, these bars are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress your loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this easy-to-make recipe will have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars
These chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecake bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a Valentine’s Day showstopper! Here’s why you’ll love them:
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and rich chocolate blend harmoniously.
✔ Easy to Make – While they look fancy, the steps are simple and beginner-friendly.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – These bars can be prepared in advance, making them great for parties and special occasions.
✔ Portable & Shareable – Unlike traditional cheesecake, these bars are easy to slice and serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before getting started, gather these simple ingredients for each layer:
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Strawberry Swirl:
- ¾ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.
Step 3: Create the Strawberry Swirl
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook strawberry puree and sugar until bubbling.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer until thickened.
- Let cool slightly before swirling into the cheesecake batter.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture on top, then use a knife to swirl it in.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth.
- Slice the chilled cheesecake into bars, then dip each bar into the melted chocolate or drizzle on top.
- Let the chocolate set before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream.
- Extra Chocolate: Stir mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter for a richer taste.
- Mixed Berry Swirl: Try a combination of raspberries and strawberries for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesecake bars are perfect for any celebration, but here’s how to make them extra special:
- Valentine’s Day Dessert: Pair with a glass of sparkling wine and fresh strawberries.
- Party Favorite: Serve on a dessert platter with truffles and chocolate-covered fruit.
- Casual Treat: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
For an added touch, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries before serving!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the cheesecake the day before and coat with chocolate just before serving for the best texture.
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are irresistibly rich, creamy, and chocolatey, making them the ultimate Valentine’s Day dessert. Whether you’re making them for a romantic evening or just indulging in a little self-care, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs about 10 full graham crackers
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup strawberry puree fresh or frozen strawberries, blended
Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Optional: Pink or red sprinkles for a festive touch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and strawberry puree until fully incorporated.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft.
- Once the chocolate has set, use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into bars. Clean the knife between slices for neat edges.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, chocolatey, and fruity perfection!
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Strawberry Puree Tip: If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending.
- Make-Ahead: These bars can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Substitutions: Swap graham cracker crumbs for Oreo crumbs for a chocolatey crust.
- Decoration Tip: Drizzle extra melted white chocolate on top for an elegant touch.
