Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg yolk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup fresh strawberries, puréed; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Highlighted under: Cozy Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars, especially during the warmer months when strawberries are at their peak. This recipe combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the refreshing taste of strawberries, all nestled in a buttery shortcake crust. It’s a delightful treat that's perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply savoring at home. Trust me, once you bite into these luscious bars, you'll be hooked! It's a beautiful way to enjoy the flavors of summer in every delicious bite.

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-02-24T04:37:36.922Z

When I first experimented with these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars, I knew I wanted a dessert that showcased fresh strawberries while providing that beloved cheesecake creaminess. After several trials, I discovered that a shortbread crust complemented the filling perfectly, adding a delicate crunch that balances the softness of the dessert.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly underbake the cheesecake layer; it continues to set as it cools. This keeps the bars wonderfully creamy and soft. Plus, topping them off with fresh strawberry slices makes for a stunning presentation!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Decadent layers of cheesecake and shortcake satisfy every sweet tooth
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and vibrant color
Easily portable for picnics or gatherings without the mess

Mastering the Shortcake Crust

The shortcake crust serves as the foundation of these cheesecake bars, providing both texture and flavor. It's essential to mix the crust ingredients just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense and tough crust. I recommend using cold butter and quickly mixing it with the flour and sugar to create a crumbly consistency. You want the mixture to resemble wet sand before pressing it into the pan, ensuring it will bake up flaky and buttery.

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a touch of lemon zest to the crust mixture. This not only enhances the overall taste but also complements the strawberries beautifully. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check the blend's baking properties, as some may require adjustments in the liquid or baking time.

Perfecting the Cheesecake Filling

When preparing the cheesecake filling, ensure the cream cheese is thoroughly softened to avoid lumps. I find that beating it at room temperature for a good 10-15 minutes achieves a smooth texture. Adding the eggs one at a time helps maintain the mixture's fluffiness, creating a light and airy filling that contrasts deliciously with the dense crust.

The pureed strawberries not only add flavor but also moisture. If you prefer a stronger strawberry presence, increase the amount of strawberry puree to 1 ½ cups, adjusting the flour accordingly to maintain the filling's consistency. Additionally, if you're short on fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries can work; just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the crust

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the cheesecake filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup fresh strawberries, puréed
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the topping

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Make sure to measure carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Here’s how to prepare these delightful bars:

Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until crumbly and press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Prick the crust with a fork and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Make the cheesecake filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until well incorporated. Gently fold in the strawberry purée and flour until just combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust.

Bake the bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Add the topping

Once chilled, top the cheesecake layer with sliced strawberries. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar on the strawberries for added sweetness.

Slice and serve

Cut the cheesecake into squares and serve cold. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a lemon zest to the cheesecake filling. It complements the strawberries beautifully!

Storage Tips

These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars store beautifully in the refrigerator. Once completely cooled and chilled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the bars to an airtight container. They can be kept for up to five days. To maintain their freshness, avoid cutting the bars until you're ready to serve, which will help prevent them from drying out.

If you want to prepare these bars in advance, you can make the crust and cheesecake filling a day ahead. Just bake the crust, let it cool, and refrigerate it. The next day, add the filling and bake. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These bars can be served as is, or you can elevate them with a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a special touch, consider garnishing with mint leaves, which add a pop of color and freshness. If you're serving these bars at an outdoor gathering, they pair wonderfully with iced tea or lemonade, enhancing the summer experience.

For a fun twist, you can experiment with different fruit toppings. Fresh peaches or blueberries can be used in place of strawberries, providing variation in flavor and appearance. This versatility makes the bars adaptable for seasonal fruit, ensuring that you can enjoy them year-round.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them before puréeing.

→ How long do these bars last in the fridge?

They can last up to 4 days in the fridge if stored properly.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars gluten-free.

→ What's the best way to serve these bars?

Serve them cold, and add whipped cream for an extra treat!