Ah, Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Bars! Just the mention of them makes my mouth water! I can still remember the first time I took a bite of these delicious little treasures at a summer barbecue. The creamy cheesecake layer mingling perfectly with the juicy strawberries, all nestled between soft, buttery shortcake layers—it was a dessert revelation, I tell you! Ever since that day, I’ve been on a mission to perfect my own version of this delectable treat, and let me tell you, I think I’ve nailed it!
These bars are perfect for any occasion, and they’re deceptively easy to put together! Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic in the park, or just an indulgent treat for yourself, these bars are sure to impress. They also pack beautifully, so you can share them with your friends (or hoard them all for yourself, no judgment here!).
What’s in Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Bars?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these bars so heavenly. Each component is essential in creating that perfect combination of flavors and textures!
Shortcake Base: This layer is like a fluffy cloud of buttery goodness! The shortcake is sweet, crumbly, and melts in your mouth. I prefer to use unsalted butter for more flavor control.
Cheesecake Filling: The star of the show! Cream cheese provides that rich, velvety texture that pairs so well with the sweetness of strawberries. I usually go for full-fat cream cheese for utmost creaminess—we all deserve a little indulgence now and then!
Fresh Strawberries: Bright, juicy strawberries lend a beautiful tartness and a pop of color. I love using fresh berries, but if they’re out of season, frozen can also do the trick—just be sure to drain any excess liquid!
Powdered Sugar: This is your sweetener for the cheesecake filling. It dissolves beautifully and gives the mixture that smooth sweetness we all crave.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of this fragrant extract elevates the flavor of the cheesecake to heavenly heights!
Is Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect a bit, shall we? While indulging in these bars isn’t exactly the same as munching on a carrot stick, they do have a few redeeming qualities!
Strawberries: These lovely berries are rich in vitamins C and A, along with antioxidants that can help with skin health. Plus, they’re low in calories—bonus points!
Cream Cheese: While it’s a bit more indulgent, cream cheese does offer a source of calcium. Just remember, moderation is key!
However, it’s wise to enjoy these bars sparingly if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar and fat intake, especially since they do contain a decent amount of butter and sugar. They’re more of a delightful treat rather than an everyday snack!
Ingredients List
This recipe makes about 12 bars.
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Bars?
Let’s get baking! Here’s how you whip up these delightful bars in just a few simple steps:
1. **Preheat your oven**: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. **Make the shortcake base**: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix until just combined. This batter will be thick but spreadable.
3. **Spread in the pan**: Transfer the shortcake mixture into your prepared pan and press it down evenly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
4. **Prepare the cheesecake layer**: In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and well combined.
5. **Spread the filling**: Once the shortcake base has cooled, spread the cheesecake filling over the shortcake layer.
6. **Layer the strawberries**: Top with sliced strawberries, arranging them as you like. For a little extra sweetness, you can sprinkle a touch of sugar over the strawberries!
7. **Chill and slice**: Cover and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if you can wait!). When you’re ready, lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice them into bars.
Slice, Serve, and Savor!
Now that you have your scrumptious Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Bars, let’s dig into some fun ways to serve or enjoy them!
– **Ice Cream Topping:** These bars are fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for extra decadence!
– **Garnish Ideas:** You can dust them with some powdered sugar before serving for a café-style finish.
– **Berry Variations:** Feel free to switch things up by using different berries—blueberries and raspberries work wonderfully as well!
I’m so excited for you to try these Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Bars! I promise they’ll become a new favorite in your household, just like they did in mine. Feel free to share your thoughts or any variations you come up with—I’d love to hear all about your baking adventures! Happy baking!