Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of spring. These bars combine the creamy texture of cheesecake with the tangy flavor of Greek yogurt and the sweet freshness of strawberries. They are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, a family gathering, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The unique blend of ingredients not only makes them lighter but also adds a nutritional boost, making them guilt-free indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Refreshing: These bars are lighter than traditional cheesecake, making them perfect for warm weather.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal equipment, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Dessert: You can easily swap out strawberries for your favorite fruits or berries.
- Perfectly Sweetened: The balance of Greek yogurt and sugar results in just the right amount of sweetness.
- Great for Meal Prep: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them convenient for busy days.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars efficiently, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Baking dish (8×8)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool ensures a smooth cheesecake mixture without lumps.
- Baking dish: An 8×8 dish provides the right size for evenly baked bars.
- Parchment paper: It makes removing the bars from the dish easy and mess-free.
Ingredients
Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars are lightened up and perfect for spring!
Ingredients:
– 6 graham crackers
– 3 tablespoons melted butter
– 6 ounces low fat cream cheese, (room temperature)
– 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt, (2% or whole milk Greek yogurt)
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg, (room temperature)
– 1 egg white, (room temperature)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
– pinch of salt
– 3 ounces fresh strawberries (hulled)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, (use 3 if your strawberries aren’t very sweet)
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, (2% or whole milk Greek yogurt)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with two sheets of parchment paper, creating a sling so you can easily remove the bars later. Lightly spray it with vegetable oil spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- Process the graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground.
- Add in the melted butter and process again until combined.
- Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Press it down firmly into an even layer using your hands or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for about 5–7 minutes until the edges start to brown. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Clean and dry out the food processor bowl.
- Add cream cheese, Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt into the bowl. Process until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add in the egg and egg white; process until fully mixed.
- Incorporate flour by processing once more until there are no lumps.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour your cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Bake in preheated oven until almost set but still slightly jiggly in the center—about 25–30 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare Strawberry Topping
- Clean out your food processor again.
- Add hulled strawberries along with granulated sugar; purée until smooth.
- Mix in Greek yogurt and vanilla; purée again until combined.
Step 6: Finish Baking
Remove cheesecake from oven and pour strawberry topping over it, ensuring full coverage. Return to oven and bake until topping is just set—about another 15–20 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Down
Transfer baking dish to a wire rack to cool completely before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight.
Step 8: Serve
Once chilled, lift out using parchment overhang. Cut into twelve bars and top each bar with a strawberry slice before serving!
How to Serve Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
Serving Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars can elevate your dessert experience. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways.
Individual Servings
- Chilled and Sliced: Serve the cheesecake bars chilled, cut into squares, for easy serving at gatherings.
- Garnished with Fresh Strawberries: Top each bar with a slice of fresh strawberry for a pop of color and flavor.
With Whipped Cream
- Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra creamy texture.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or strawberry-flavored whipped cream to complement the cheesecake.
Accompanied by Drinks
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pair these bars with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a perfect spring treat.
- Coffee or Espresso: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
How to Perfect Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Bold Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality strawberries and yogurt for the best flavor and texture.
- Bold Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Bold Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove from the oven when it’s just set to maintain creaminess.
- Bold Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample chilling time in the refrigerator to help the bars firm up properly before cutting.
- Bold Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars without sticking.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars pair well with several side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some great options to serve alongside:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the cheesecake’s sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a rich, creamy contrast that pairs beautifully.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These offer an indulgent touch that matches the strawberry theme.
- Nutty Granola: Serve granola on the side for added crunch and texture that balances the smooth cheesecake.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying rich cheesecake bars.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet dessert, making it more complex.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars can be a breeze, but small errors can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using cold ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy cheesecake mixture.
Not pressing the crust firmly: If the crust isn’t pressed down well, it may crumble when you cut the bars. Use your hands or a glass bottom to pack it tightly.
Overbaking the cheesecake: Keep an eye on baking times. Overbaking can result in a dry texture; the center should still jiggle slightly when done.
Skipping the chilling time: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to chill for at least 3 hours ensures they set properly and flavors meld together.
Using unripe strawberries: Sweet strawberries make a big difference in flavor. Choose ripe strawberries or add extra sugar if they’re not sweet enough.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If possible, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each bar for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flavored Greek yogurt for Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, using flavored yogurt can add an interesting twist! Just remember it may change the overall sweetness of your bars.
How do I make Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?
You can substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives or use almond flour mixed with melted butter for the crust.
What toppings go well with Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can enhance these delightful cheesecake bars!
Can I customize the fruit topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars are a deliciously light dessert perfect for spring gatherings or any occasion. Their creamy texture combined with fresh strawberries makes them irresistible. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite fruits or toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful balance of flavors!
Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the refreshing taste of Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert that captures the essence of spring. These bars blend creamy cheesecake, tangy Greek yogurt, and sweet strawberries into a light yet satisfying treat. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or as a guilt-free snack at home, they deliver both flavor and nutrition. With easy preparation steps and minimal equipment required, even beginners can whip up this delicious dessert. Customize with your favorite fruits for added variety or enjoy them topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors while keeping your dessert light.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 graham crackers
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 6 ounces low-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg white (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3 ounces fresh strawberries (hulled)
- Additional sugar for strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine graham crackers and melted butter until crumbly. Press into the baking dish to form the crust and bake for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned.
- In the cleaned food processor, mix cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Add egg and egg white; blend until combined. Stir in flour until no lumps remain.
- Pour filling over the baked crust and bake for 25–30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Prepare strawberry topping by blending hulled strawberries with sugar until smooth; mix in additional Greek yogurt and vanilla.
- Pour strawberry mixture over baked cheesecake and return to oven for another 15–20 minutes until just set.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least three hours or overnight before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. Use ripe strawberries to enhance sweetness or adjust sugar if necessary. Chill thoroughly to ensure bars firm up properly.