When temperatures rise and turning on your oven is unthinkable, a delicious no-bake dessert recipe becomes a necessity. Enter No-Bake Strawberry Jam Cheesecake Bars. With a lush, creamy texture, vibrant strawberry flavor, and a sweet cookie crust, this dessert delivers indulgence without the heat or hassle.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe promises easy preparation, delightful flavor, and minimal cleanup. Read on to learn why these bars will soon become your new favorite no-bake dessert.
Why These Cheesecake Bars Work
These cheesecake bars masterfully balance flavor and texture. The crust is made from strawberry sandwich cookies that provide a sweet, slightly crunchy base. The silky cheesecake filling, rich yet airy thanks to whipped cream folded gently into softened cream cheese, pairs beautifully with swirls of bright, fruity strawberry jam.
The layers harmonize perfectly, resulting in a dessert that’s neither too sweet nor overly rich—just pure, delicious cheesecake bliss without baking!
The Beauty of No-Bake Desserts
Not only does this recipe avoid oven heat, it’s also ideal for cooks who prefer simpler recipes without complicated techniques. The minimal hands-on preparation makes these bars accessible to cooks at any skill level. As an added benefit, their lovely presentation and flavor profile ensures impressive results for special events, parties, or casual family evenings.
Required Equipment
Before beginning, gather the following kitchen essentials to make preparation simple:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Food processor or blender
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula or butter knife
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
Recipe for No-Bake Strawberry Jam Cheesecake Bars
Prep and Chill Times:
| Stage | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 30 minutes |
| Chilling & Setting | Minimum of 4 hours or overnight |
| Total Time | 4 hours 30 minutes |
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Metric Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry sandwich cookies | 12 ounces | 340 grams |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 5 tablespoons | 70 grams |
| Cream cheese, softened | 20 ounces | 570 grams |
| Powdered milk | 2 tablespoons | 15 grams |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 100 grams |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 5 ml |
| Sour cream | ⅓ cup | 80 grams |
| Heavy whipping cream, cold | ½ cup | 120 ml |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup | 60 grams |
| Strawberry jam | ½ cup | 160 grams |
| Fresh strawberries, sliced | 5 ounces | 140 grams |
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Cookie Crust
In your food processor, pulse the strawberry sandwich cookies until fine crumbs form. Pour in the melted butter and pulse again, combining until the crumbs look like wet sand.
Step 2: Form the Crust Layer
Pour the buttery cookie crumbs into your 9×13 baking dish. Using the back of a spoon, measuring cup, or your clean hands, firmly press the crumb mixture into an even, smooth crust layer. Refrigerate the dish while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a stand or hand mixer for 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and powdered milk, mixing until thoroughly combined.
Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing gently until silky smooth.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a separate, chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This takes about 3 minutes on medium-high speed.
Step 5: Combine Filling Components
With a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture. Take your time and fold gently—this step ensures your cheesecake remains airy and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Carefully spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled cookie crust, using an offset spatula to smooth the top.
Step 7: Strawberry Jam Swirl
Slightly warm the strawberry jam in a microwave-safe bowl for about 15 seconds. Spoon dollops of jam onto the cheesecake surface. Gently swirl with a butter knife or toothpick to create a lovely marble pattern.
Step 8: Chill and Set
Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours (or overnight) until set firm.
Optional: Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe
If you prefer making jam from scratch, try this simple, quick homemade strawberry jam:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Mash and stir berries, simmering gently for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, cool completely, and strain if a smoother texture is desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Slice the cheesecake bars neatly into 18 or 24 squares.
- Wipe your knife clean between slices for crisp edges.
- Garnish each bar with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
Storing Instructions:
- Refrigerate bars covered for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Assuming 18 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Total Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fiber | <1 g |
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensures smooth, lump-free filling.
- Cold Whipping Cream: Essential for achieving stiff peaks.
- Real Vanilla Extract: Superior flavor depth compared to imitation.
- Don’t Rush Chilling: Give cheesecake bars at least 4 hours to set fully.
- Warm, Clean Knife: Achieves cleaner, attractive slices.
Flavor Variations and Creative Ideas
Looking to customize this recipe? Here are delicious ideas:
- Chocolate-Strawberry Bars: Swap strawberry cookies with chocolate ones and drizzle chocolate ganache over finished bars.
- Lemon-Strawberry Bars: Add lemon zest to cheesecake filling; use lemon sandwich cookies in the crust.
- Mixed Berry Delight: Swirl strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry jams for colorful berry bars.
- Mini Cheesecake Cups: Prepare bars in individual cupcake liners for charming single servings.
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Strawberry Jam Cheesecake Bars are an irresistible dessert suitable for any occasion. Offering exceptional taste, easy preparation, and countless options for personalizing, they’re the ideal no-bake recipe for summer—and beyond. With this detailed guide, you now have everything you need to create creamy, refreshing cheesecake bars that everyone will adore.
Whip up a batch today and experience firsthand the beauty of easy, oven-free desserts at their very best!
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