These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are just the thing for hot summer days—when you want a little something sweet but don’t dare turn on the oven. A Simple, Seasonal Treat from Our Homestead Kitchen.
Out here on the homestead, we’re always looking for simple ingredients and recipes that are big on flavor but don’t require a lot of fuss.
Whether you’ve got a bumper crop of juicy strawberries from the garden, or you’re digging into your pantry stash of freeze-dried fruit, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy that bright, summery strawberry flavor any time of year.
Making the Most of the Season (and the Pantry)
One of the things we value most in our homestead kitchen is flexibility. We use what’s in season or what we’ve preserved, and that’s why I love that this recipe works just as well with fresh strawberries as it does with freeze-dried strawberries.
If you’ve put up some fresh strawberry jam, you can even swirl it on top for extra flavor.
These cheesecake bars are a wonderful way to stretch a few pantry staples—cream cheese, Cool Whip (or whipped cream if you’ve made it yourself from heavy cream), and graham crackers—into something truly special.
It’s an easy dessert that looks impressive but takes little time and effort.
Fresh & Fruity No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 ½ Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs homemade or store-bought
- 6 Tablespoons Butter melted
- ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
Creamy Strawberry Filling
- 16 Ounces Cream Cheese (2) 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 ¼ Cups Freeze-Dried Strawberries finely ground, or fresh strawberries, chopped
- 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Whipped Topping Like Cool Whip, thawed
- Optional: fresh strawberry slices strawberry syrup, or jam for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust. In a mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well blended.1 ½ Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs, 6 Tablespoons Butter, ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
- Press the crust into a parchment-lined baking pan (8×8 or 9×9). Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Place it in the fridge to set while you make the filling.
- If you keep a stash of homemade graham crackers, crush them into fine crumbs for a truly from-scratch basic graham cracker crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling. Beat the room temperature cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth.16 Ounces Cream Cheese
- Mix in the sugar, vanilla extract and freeze-dried strawberries (or mash fresh ones).1 ¼ Cups Freeze-Dried Strawberries, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
- Fold in the Cool Whip gently until combined into a fluffy, creamy filling.1 Cup Whipped Topping
- Spread the mixture over your crust and smooth out the top.
- Chill and Enjoy. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- Optional. Just before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices, jam, or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup if you have it.Optional: fresh strawberry slices
- Use a sharp knife to slice into neat cheesecake squares and serve cold for a refreshing sweet treat that everyone will rave about.
Nutrition
Homestead Tips & Variations
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a tangier filling.
- Want to skip store-bought Cool Whip? Whip your own heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks.
- Try a crust made with vanilla wafers or wafer cookies.
Storage Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. These cheesecake bars are best eaten fresh and don’t hold up well in the freezer due to their fluffy texture.
If you’re planning for a gathering or a summer potluck, just be sure to give the bars plenty of time to chill.
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars From the Farmhouse Table
This recipe has become a favorite around here, not just because it’s so easy, but because it reminds us that even the simplest strawberry dessert can feel special when shared.
Whether you’re using homegrown berries or your pantry reserves, these no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars are a great way to celebrate the season—without baking, without fuss, and with love.
As always, thank you for joining us at Hobby Homestead, where we celebrate the joy of real food, homemade living, and the simple life.
easy no-bake summer strawberry recipe