America's Test Kitchen Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
If you're looking for the perfect dessert recipe that's both delicious and easy to make, look no further than America's Test Kitchen Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. These bars are the epitome of sweet, creamy goodness and feature a rich cheesecake layer topped with a layer of fresh strawberries. The combination of flavors and textures is simply heavenly, making these bars the perfect dessert for any occasion.
The History of Cheesecake
Cheesecake has been enjoyed by people for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Greece. The Greeks believed that cheesecake had therapeutic properties and served it to athletes during the first Olympic games in 776 BC. Over time, cheesecake spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to America. Today, it's one of the most beloved desserts in the world and comes in countless variations.
Ingredients
To make America's Test Kitchen Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let's get started on making these delicious bars:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl and beat until everything is well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cheesecake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries over the top of the cheesecake in a single layer.
- In a small saucepan, heat the strawberry jam over low heat until it's melted and smooth.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the melted jam over the top of the strawberries.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours, or until it's chilled and firm.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the cheesecake out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Cut the cheesecake into bars and serve immediately.
Variations
If you want to mix up the flavors a bit, there are plenty of variations you can try:
- Use blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
- Swap out the graham cracker crust for an Oreo cookie crust for a chocolatey twist.
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the cheesecake layer for a decadent treat.
Conclusion
America's Test Kitchen Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert recipe for any occasion. With their creamy cheesecake layer and fresh strawberry topping, they're sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. And with the option to mix up the flavors and try different variations, you can customize these bars to suit your taste preferences. So why not give them a try today?