Strawberry Bliss Cheesecake Squares

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pan. Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to create a sling, and spray it with vegetable oil spray.

2. Make the crust

To make the crust, place the graham crackers and 1/2 cup sugar in a food processor and process until finely ground. Add the flour and salt, pulse a few times to mix, then pour in the melted butter and continue pulsing until the mixture resembles wet sand.

3. Press and bake the crust

Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan, using a measuring cup to pack it down firmly. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and begins to brown around the edges. Let it cool completely.

4. Prepare the filling

While the crust is cooling, prepare the filling. In a clean food processor, combine the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar, processing until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, processing just until incorporated. Finally, blend in the vanilla extract.

5. Bake the filling

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, until the center is almost set but still jiggles slightly when gently shaken. This ensures a rich, creamy texture.

6. Prepare the topping

While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the topping. Process 6 ounces of strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar in the food processor until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the sour cream until well combined.

7. Add topping and continue baking

Once the cheesecake has baked, pour the strawberry-sour cream mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is just set.

8. Cool and refrigerate

Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

9. Garnish and serve

Before serving, slice the remaining 5 strawberries and toss them with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Using the foil sling, lift the cheesecake out of the pan and cut it into 24 squares. Garnish each square with a slice of the sugared strawberries.