Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
User Reviews
4.3
Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars
Description
The bars start with a crust of finely ground graham crackers mixed with melted butter, pressed firmly into an 8x8 pan and baked until the edges brown lightly. The filling blends room temperature low-fat cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt until smooth, then sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla. Eggs and egg whites are incorporated, followed by a small amount of flour to provide structure without heaviness, along with a pinch of salt.
The cheesecake layer is poured over the cooled crust and baked until set but still creamy. A topping made from fresh hulled strawberries macerated with sugar is combined with additional Greek yogurt and vanilla extract for a cool, creamy fruit layer. The bars are chilled after baking to firm up for easy slicing. The final texture balances tangy cream cheese and yogurt with a sweet strawberry topping and a buttery crust.
The recipe makes a rich yet lighter cheesecake bar with the addition of Greek yogurt, and the strawberry topping adds freshness and moisture. They are good for dessert or a sweet snack with a moderate sweetness level.
Ingredients
Crust
- 6 graham crackers
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
Cheesecake
- 6 ounces cream cheese room temperature, low fat
- 6 ounces Greek yogurt 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt, plain
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 egg room temperature, white
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- pinch salt
Strawberry Topping
- 3 ounces strawberry hulled, fresh
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar use 3 if your strawberries aren't very sweet
- 1 cup Greek yogurt 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt, plain
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350° F. and line an 8x8 baking dish with two sheets of parchment paper creating a sling so the bars are easy to remove. Spray lightly with vegetable oil spray.
- Process the graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. Add in the melted butter and process again until the crumbs are moistened. Dump the mixture into the prepared baking dish and use your hands or the bottom of a glass to firmly press them into an even layer. Bake until the edges start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you make the filling.
Cheesecake:
- Clean and dry out the bowl of the food processor then add in the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, vanilla and salt. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add in the egg and egg white and process until fully incorporated. Add in the flour and process until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl once.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and bake until the center is almost set, but still jiggles slightly when the dish is shaken, about 25-30 minutes.
Strawberry Topping:
- Clean and dry out the bowl of the food processor and add in the strawberries and sugar. Purée until smooth. Add in the Greek yogurt and vanilla and purée again.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and pour the strawberry topping over the cheesecake making sure to completely cover it. Return to the oven and bake until the topping is just set, about 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and let the cheesecake bars cool completely. Once cool put the bars in the refrigerator to chill and set, at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 bars and top each bar with a strawberry slice. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 208 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 208kcal | 10% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 176mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.3
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