Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bars (Printer-friendly)
Rich cheesecake bars topped with fresh strawberries and a smooth chocolate layer for an indulgent treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
04 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/3 cup sour cream
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
→ Chocolate Topping
10 - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 6-8 whole strawberries, halved (optional garnish)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool while preparing the filling.
04 - Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
05 - Gently fold in diced strawberries. Pour cheesecake batter over cooled crust and smooth the top.
06 - Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set and edges are lightly golden.
07 - Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully chilled.
08 - Melt chocolate chips and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
09 - Pour melted chocolate over chilled cheesecake, spreading evenly. Top with halved strawberries if desired.
10 - Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Lift bars from pan, cut into squares, and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crisp chocolate shell cracks beautifully when you bite into the creamy cheesecake beneath
- Fresh strawberries throughout keep every bar tasting like peak summer
02 -
- Cheesecake continues cooking as it cools so removing it while the center still jiggles slightly is actually correct
- Room temperature ingredients are absolutely essential or you will end up with a lumpy textured filling
03 -
- Pat your diced strawberries dry with paper towels before folding them into the batter to prevent excess moisture
- The overhang on your parchment paper is your best friend for lifting these out cleanly