Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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Ever since my first encounter with these heavenly bars, I have been determined to recreate them at home, relish their exquisite taste whenever the craving strikes, and share this bliss with friends and family. And guess what? After a few trials and a whole lot of taste testing (which, admittedly, was the best part of the process), I’ve finally perfected the recipe. So now, I’m beyond excited to share with you my very own take on Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.

How to make Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars is a frozen dessert product made by Klondike, known for its ice cream treats. These bars feature a cheesecake-flavored ice cream center with a sweet strawberry topping, all covered in a rich, chocolatey coating.

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup strawberries, finely chopped

For the Graham Cracker Base:

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 2 cups milk chocolate chips or chocolate candy coating
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening (this helps to thin out the chocolate for a smoother coating)

Instructions:

Prepare the Graham Cracker Base:

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm, even layer.
4. Refrigerate to set while you prepare the cheesecake mixture.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
4. Beat in the egg, ensuring not to overmix at this stage.
5. Fold in the finely chopped strawberries gently, keeping the pieces intact.
6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled graham cracker base and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is just set.
8. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Form the Bars:

1. Once set, lift the cheesecake out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang.
2. On a cutting board, slice the cheesecake into bar-sized portions (the size of a Klondike bar).

Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

1. Melt the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler method or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst until smooth.
2. Let the chocolate cool slightly but ensure it remains fluid for dipping.

Coat the Bars:

1. Use forks or dipping tools to dip each cheesecake bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring a complete and even coating.
2. Gently shake off any excess chocolate and place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets, about 15-20 minutes.

Tips:

• Ingredient Temperatures: Make sure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, clump-free cheesecake batter.
• Smooth Dipping: If your chocolate coating is too thick, add a bit more coconut oil to achieve the right consistency for dipping.
• Clean Slices: Dip your knife in hot water and clean it between cuts for neat, professional-looking bars.
• Decorate: For added flair, drizzle the bars with more chocolate or sprinkle some freeze-dried strawberry powder on top.
• Storage: Keep your Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the freezer. Before serving, let them sit out for a few minutes to slightly soften for the perfect creamy texture.

What to serve with

Serving your Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars is an opportunity to elevate this delightful dessert into an even more memorable culinary experience. Pairing these bars with complementary beverages, sides, or garnishes not only enhances the flavors but also turns a simple dessert into a sophisticated treat suitable for any occasion.

Beverages:

• Coffee: A robust espresso or a creamy latte pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. The coffee’s bitter notes contrast nicely with the chocolate and strawberry, creating a balanced taste experience.
• Tea: Opt for a light, fragrant tea such as Earl Grey or Jasmine. These teas have floral notes that complement the fruitiness of the strawberry and the richness of the cheesecake.
• Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine like a Moscato d’Asti or a Riesling can beautifully accompany the dessert’s richness and sweetness. The effervescence of a good dessert wine will cleanse the palate between bites.
• Milk or Chocolate Milk: For a comforting, nostalgic pairing, serve chilled milk or chocolate milk with the bars. It’s a simple yet perfect match for any chocolate-covered treat.

Sides:

• Fresh Berries: A bowl of mixed fresh berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, not only adds a pop of color to your dessert serving but also enhances the fresh, fruity theme of the meal.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side or a light spritz on top of each bar adds an extra layer of creaminess and can be garnished with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or a few slices of fresh strawberries.
• Ice Cream: A small scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside your cheesecake bar creates a delightful contrast between the ice cream and the dense, rich cheesecake.
• Nut Assortment: Offering a small plate of assorted nuts, like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, adds a crunchy texture contrast and a nutty flavor that complements the cheesecake well.

Garnishes:

• Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing aroma and a pop of green color that makes your dessert visually stunning.
• Fruit Coulis: A raspberry or strawberry coulis drizzled around the plate or over the bar adds a bright, tangy flavor that amplifies the strawberry notes in the cheesecake.
• Chocolate Shavings or Cocoa Powder: For the chocolate lovers, adding more chocolate in the form of shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder can intensify the chocolate experience.
• Edible Flowers: For a special occasion, garnishing each cheesecake bar with an edible flower or two can turn a simple dessert into an elegant masterpiece.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making a homemade version of Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, you might not always have all the specific ingredients or need to adjust the recipe based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese or want a lighter version, you can use mascarpone for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. For a non-dairy substitute, try using cashew cream cheese or coconut cream cheese, which will provide a similar consistency and a complementary flavor to the strawberry.
• Sugar: To replace white sugar, you can use an equal amount of coconut sugar or ¾ cups of honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners will slightly alter the texture.
• Eggs: To substitute eggs in the cheesecake mixture, you can use “flax eggs” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, left to sit for 15 minutes equals one egg) or commercially available egg replacers according to package instructions.

For the Crust:

• Graham Crackers: For a graham cracker crust, digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers crushed into crumbs are an easy substitute. For a gluten-free option, almond flour mixed with a bit of melted butter and sugar can create a great base.
• Butter: Coconut oil or vegan butter can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free crust. They have similar consistencies and will bind the crust ingredients together well.

For the Strawberry Layer:

• Fresh Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use an equal amount of frozen strawberries. Thaw them and drain any excess liquid before blending into a puree.
• Sugar: As with the cheesecake filling, other natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can replace white sugar. The amount can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference.

For the Chocolate Shell:

• Chocolate Chips: If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can use a chopped-up chocolate bar. Depending on your preference, dark, milk, or even white chocolate can work. For a healthier version, consider cocoa butter mixed with cocoa powder and a sweetener of your choice.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil thins the chocolate and achieves a smooth, dippable consistency. Cocoa butter is a good substitute for coconut oil for a similar effect. If you prefer not to use either, consider using a thin layer of chocolate without any additions, though the chocolate may not be as smooth.

Final thoughts

And there you have it—your homemade Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, which are bound to be a hit. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, the delicious outcome!

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Filling Recipe
• Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling Recipe
• Thanksgiving Cheesecake Recipe
• Blue Bowl’s Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe
• Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries Recipe