Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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I have to confess, I’ve always been enamored by the artistry of cheesecakes, with their velvety cream cheese layers resting regally atop crumbly, buttery crusts adorned with the ruby jewels of fresh strawberries. It’s that very passion for cheesecake that drove me to transform this Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars dessert into a refreshing treat that’s just as enchanting and wonderfully portable. It’s bubble-bath luxury meets backyard barbecue convenience.

How to make Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a frozen dessert made by Klondike. They feature rich and creamy cheesecake-flavored ice cream with a swirl of strawberry sauce, all coated in a smooth white chocolate shell. These bars are designed to mimic the flavor of a classic strawberry cheesecake, combining the tangy sweetness of strawberries with the decadent taste of cheesecake in a convenient, handheld treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp coconut oil

For the Crust Layer:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:

1. In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let cool. Blend until smooth if you prefer a seedless swirl.

Make the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base:

1. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until well incorporated.

Prepare the Crust:

1. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until it resembles wet sand.

Assembling the Bars:

1. Line a square or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Sprinkle the crust mixture evenly at the bottom, pressing slightly to form a thin layer.
3. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust, smoothing out the top.
4. Dollop the strawberry swirl over the cheesecake layer and use a knife to create marble patterns.
5. Freeze for at least 5 hours or until set.

Add the Chocolate Coating:

1. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave or a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
2. Let cool slightly, then pour over the frozen cheesecake layer. Spread quickly before the chocolate sets.
3. Freeze again for about an hour.

Serving:

1. Lift the frozen block out of the pan using the parchment paper edges.
2. Cut into bars with a hot knife (dip in hot water and wipe dry between cuts).
3. Serve immediately, or store in the freezer in an airtight container.

Tips:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature (except for the heavy cream) to ensure smooth mixing.
• For a touch of elegance, garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of melted white chocolate before serving.
• Experimenting with different berries or fruit swirls can add a new twist to this recipe.
• Be patient during the freezing process to ensure the bars set perfectly and hold their shape when coated in chocolate and sliced.

What to serve with

Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars stand out magnificently on their own, but if you aim to elevate the experience or serve them as part of a larger feast, pairing them with complementary items can create an even more memorable indulgence.

Beverages:

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee provides a pleasant bitterness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.
• Dessert Wine: Choose a nice Moscato or Riesling with sweet and fruity profiles that will complement the strawberries.
• Sparkling Water: A bubbly, flavored sparkling water, like lemon or berry, can cleanse the palate between bites without overwhelming the dessert.

Fresh Fruit:

• Assorted Berries: Serve a bowl of fresh mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, for added freshness and a mix of tart and sweet flavors.
• Fruit Kabobs: Skewer chunks of pineapple, melon, and grapes for a fun and colorful side that guests can easily pick up and enjoy.

Whipped Cream:

• Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add an additional creamy texture and a subtle sweetness to each bite.

Light Bites:

• Cheese & Crackers: Offer a cheese platter with various kinds of cheese, from mild to sharp, along with an assortment of crackers, which guests can nibble on before enjoying the bars.
• Finger Sandwiches: Simple finger sandwiches with cucumber or smoked salmon can serve as a savory precursor to the sweet dessert.

Garnishes:

• Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can provide a refreshing contrast and enhance the presentation.
• Chocolate Shavings: Extra chocolate shavings on top can add a touch of elegance and a rich cocoa flavor.

Nut Mix:

• Spiced Nuts: A small bowl of candied or spiced nuts can offer a crunchy texture and a flavor contrast that complements the creamy dessert bar.

Sorbet:

• Lemon or Mango Sorbet: Offer a small scoop of tangy sorbet as a palate cleanser or to balance the richness of the cheesecake bars.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of the Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars provides a fun opportunity to play with different ingredients and customize the dessert to your liking.

For the Cheesecake Base:

• Cream Cheese: For a vegan version, use a dairy-free or vegan cream cheese alternative available in most supermarkets. For a lower fat content, opt for neufchâtel cheese or a blend of Greek yogurt and cream cheese.
• Sugar: To reduce the refined sugar content, substitute equal amounts of coconut sugar, or for a sugar-free version, use erythritol or a stevia blend adjusted to taste.
• Eggs: For a vegan option, replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 15 minutes), or a commercial egg replacer.

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• Fresh Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are out of season, use frozen (thawed) strawberries instead. Alternatively, a good-quality strawberry jam or preserve can work in a pinch.
• Sugar: As with the cheesecake base, you can substitute white sugar with coconut sugar, or for a lower-calorie option, use a liquid sweetener like agave nectar or honey (keep in mind honey is not vegan), adjusting the quantity to taste.

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a low-carb alternative. Crushed oat cookies or vanilla wafers can also be used for different flavors.
• Butter: To make it vegan, use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. For a healthier option, mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce can be used to bind the crust, although the texture might differ.

For the Chocolate Coating:

• Chocolate Chips or Bars: If you’re catering to a vegan or lactose-intolerant diet, choose dairy-free or dark chocolate. For a sugar-free version, look for stevia-sweetened or monk fruit-sweetened chocolate chips.
• Coconut Oil: If you do not have coconut oil, you can use a mild-tasting vegetable oil or shortening, though the chocolate might not set as hard.

Final Thoughts

Creating Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars at home offers both the satisfaction of DIY and the gratification of indulgence.

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
• Homemade Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
• Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe