Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Tray Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491967H32M
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 200g digestive biscuits, crushed; 100g unsalted butter, melted; 300g cream cheese, softened; 100g caster sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200ml double cream, whipped; 250g fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 tbsp strawberry jam; 1 tsp lemon juice

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Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

One sunny Saturday afternoon, I was rummaging through my fridge looking for inspiration when I spotted a punnet of ripe, fragrant strawberries. I immediately thought of cheesecake, but I didn’t want the fuss of a traditional baked cheesecake. That’s how my Strawberry Cheesecake Tray Bake came to life it’s fruity, creamy, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Every bite is a little hug, a comforting reminder of why I love baking.

The Strawberry Cheesecake Tray Bake is simple yet impressive. With a buttery base, creamy cheesecake layer, and a strawberry topping, it’s a dessert that brings people together. Over the years, I’ve made it for birthdays, weekend tea times, and even casual get-togethers and it never fails to bring smiles.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s forgiving and adaptable. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques, just love, patience, and fresh ingredients. Baking this tray bake gives me a sense of accomplishment, and the best part is sharing it. When I see my friends’ eyes light up after tasting it, I remember why I started cooking in the first place to create joy, not just food.

The layers of this cheesecake tray bake are satisfying in both texture and flavor: a crunchy, buttery base, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries that add brightness. It’s a balance of sweet, tangy, and soft, all in one bite. And honestly, it’s the kind of dessert that’s perfect for any season strawberries in summer, or frozen berries in winter.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this strawberry delight:

For the base:

200g digestive biscuits, crushed
100g unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake layer:

300g cream cheese, softened
100g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
200ml double cream, whipped

For the strawberry topping:

250g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tbsp strawberry jam
1 tsp lemon juice

Little kitchen secrets:

Make sure the cream cheese is soft and at room temperature it helps the cheesecake layer stay smooth.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form, don’t overwhip or it may become grainy.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the topping for the best flavor. Frozen berries can work too, just gently warm them to release juices.

How I Make It, Step by Step

Prepare the base: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a 20x30cm tray bake tin with parchment paper. Mix the crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter until fully combined. Press into the tray evenly and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool.
Make the cheesecake layer: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated. Spread evenly over the cooled base.
Prepare the strawberry topping: Slice the strawberries and mix with strawberry jam and lemon juice. Arrange on top of the cheesecake layer.
Chill and set: Refrigerate the tray bake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
Serve: Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

How I Serve It at Home

I love serving this tray bake on a large wooden board during weekend brunches or afternoon tea. Sometimes, I drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the top for extra indulgence. For a cozy touch, I pair it with a cup of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee. It’s also perfect for gifting wrap a slice in parchment paper, tie with string, and hand it to a friend or neighbor.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Slice before freezing and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Make-ahead: You can prepare the base and cheesecake layer a day before, then add the strawberry topping just before serving to keep it fresh.

100-Word Short Version

This Strawberry Cheesecake Tray Bake is a simple, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. A buttery biscuit base supports a creamy cheesecake layer, topped with juicy strawberries for a fresh, fruity finish. I love how easy it is to make no complicated techniques, just love and care. Bake the base, whip up the cheesecake filling, layer it, and add the strawberry topping. Chill for a few hours or overnight, slice, and serve. Ideal for afternoon tea, birthdays, or casual gatherings, this tray bake brings friends and family together, combining rich flavors and a touch of homemade charm.

Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time:
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Chill: 4 hrs
Total: 4 hrs 30 mins

🛒 Ingredients:

200g digestive biscuits, crushed
100g unsalted butter, melted
300g cream cheese, softened
100g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
200ml double cream, whipped
250g fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tbsp strawberry jam
1 tsp lemon juice

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 20x30cm tray with parchment paper.
Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press into tray. Bake 10 mins, cool.
Beat cream cheese and sugar, add vanilla, fold in whipped cream, spread over base.
Mix strawberries with jam and lemon juice, arrange on cheesecake layer.
Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve.

📝 Notes:

Ensure cream cheese is soft for a smooth filling.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best results.
Make-ahead: prepare base and filling the day before, add topping before serving.
Freezes well; thaw overnight in fridge.

🍽️ Nutrition (per slice):
Calories: 350 kcal 🍓 Sugar: 25g 🍓 Fat: 22g 🍓 Saturated fat: 13g 🍓 Carbs: 28g 🍓 Protein: 5g 🍓 Fiber: 1g

Conclusion

Baking this Strawberry Cheesecake Tray Bake always fills my kitchen with warmth and joy. It’s more than just a dessert it’s a reason to gather, laugh, and make memories. Every slice reminds me of family afternoons and cozy weekends. I hope you feel the same comfort and happiness when you make this recipe at home. Remember, baking is about love, not perfection, and this tray bake is the perfect testament to that.