Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite summertime dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars! I stumbled upon this heavenly combination one hot afternoon when I craved something sweet but refreshing. The thought of strawberry shortcake brought me back to my childhood, running through fields of fresh strawberries with my family, grabbing them straight from the vine before they ever made it to the kitchen. Combine that nostalgia with the rich creaminess of cheesecake, and you’ve got a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but warms the heart too.
What makes these bars so special is their layers: a buttery shortbread crust, a dreamy cheesecake filling, and that iconic strawberry topping that just screams “summer.” Every bite feels like a little celebration—whether it’s a backyard barbecue or just because you want to treat yourself (and who could blame you?). So grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get started on this delicious adventure together!
What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars?
Shortbread Crust: This will be the foundation of our dessert; buttery and crumbly, it’s the perfect base to hold all that luscious filling. I usually opt for unsalted butter to control the salt content.
Cream Cheese: The star ingredient! Softened to room temperature, it gives the cheesecake filling that signature smooth texture and rich flavor. I love using Philadelphia cream cheese for its creamy consistency.
Sugar: Can’t have cheesecake without a touch of sweetness! Granulated sugar works perfectly here. You can adjust the sweetness based on your preference, though I find that a little can go a long way.
Eggs: These help bind everything together, giving the cheesecake its lovely structure. Make sure they are at room temperature for easy mixing.
Vanilla Extract: A must for adding depth to the flavor of the cheesecake. I swear by pure vanilla extract—it’s worth the splurge!
Fresh Strawberries: The star topping! Juicy and sweet, they provide a lovely contrast to the rich cheesecake. Whenever I can get my hands on fresh, ripe strawberries, I use them. But frozen can work in a pinch too!
Whipped Cream: To top it all off, a dollop of fresh whipped cream adds that perfect finishing touch. It’s light and fluffy, balancing out the fluffiness of the cheesecake.
Is Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—it’s a treat! But it can have a few redeemable qualities.
Strawberries: These bright gems are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for your immune system and skin! Plus, they’re low in calories, so you can guiltlessly indulge in a few.
Cream Cheese: While it does contain fat, using a lower-fat cream cheese option can lighten up this treat a little without sacrificing flavor. Just be cautious with portion sizes, as cheesecake can be rich!
Ultimately, moderation is key. There’s no reason not to enjoy a slice (or two) on warm sunny days, just maybe balance it out with some healthier meals throughout the week.
Ingredients List
– 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
– ½ cup of granulated sugar
– ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup of granulated sugar (for filling)
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups of fresh strawberries, sliced (or one cup if you like it more cheesecake-centered)
– Optional: 1 cup of whipped cream for serving
This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, depending on how generous you want to be!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars?
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and ½ cup of sugar. Add in the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden, then set aside to cool.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in 1 cup of sugar, mixing until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each one before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set. Let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. While cooling, prepare your strawberries. Toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon of sugar for about 15 minutes to macerate.
7. Once the cheesecake bars are cooled, spread the strawberries on top (and feel free to drizzle any juice over them for extra flavor!).
8. Cut into squares, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Sweet Variations and Tips for Serving
– Not a fan of strawberries? You can swap them out for blueberries or raspberries. Even peaches work beautifully as a topping!
– For a little extra crunch, consider adding crushed graham crackers or nuts as a topping along with the fruits.
– Don’t forget that you can make these bars ahead of time! They refrigerate well for up to 5 days and even freeze for a couple of months if you have leftovers (although I doubt that will happen!).
So there you have it! Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars, the ultimate summer treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family. This sweet creation brings back the fondest memories, and I hope it does the same for you. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out! Happy baking, my friends!