Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

I absolutely love indulging in delicious desserts, and these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars have become a favorite in my kitchen. Combining the bright flavors of fresh strawberries with creamy cheesecake and a buttery shortcake crust, it's a treat that never fails to impress. I enjoy serving these bars at gatherings, and I guarantee they'll disappear faster than you can say 'strawberry shortcake.' Just prepare to bask in compliments as everyone enjoys a delightful bite!

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:48:45.924Z

I first came across this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars recipe during a summer picnic, and it was an instant hit. The combination of rich cheesecake and fresh strawberries creates a dessert that feels both light and indulgent. The trick to achieving perfection is to let the bars chill properly - this sets the layers beautifully and enhances the flavors.

As I experimented with the recipe, I discovered that using fresh strawberries instead of frozen made all the difference. Their vibrant color and natural sweetness uplift the whole dessert, making every bite a celebration of summer fruit. Trust me, this one is a must-try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful twist on two classic desserts
Fresh strawberries add a vibrant flavor and color
Perfectly creamy cheesecake with a buttery shortcake base

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars lies in the shortcake crust. The combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder creates a tender, buttery base that holds up well to the cheesecake filling. It's crucial to melt the butter properly and mix it with the dry ingredients until just combined for the best texture. Overmixing can lead to a tougher crust, so be gentle with your mixing.

For the cheesecake layer, using softened cream cheese is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy consistency. Be sure to beat the cream cheese until it's free of lumps before adding the sugar and eggs; this ensures that every bite is velvety and indulgent. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese as a substitute for cream cheese; it retains a creamy texture while reducing calories.

Expert Tips for Success

Baking the cheesecake layer requires careful attention. Ensure the oven is preheated adequately, and avoid opening the oven door during baking. The cheesecake should be set on the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center; this indicates it will firm up as it cools. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep an eye on your timer and look for that slight jiggle as a cue for doneness.

When preparing the strawberry topping, the maceration process is key. Allowing the strawberries to sit with sugar and lemon juice helps draw out the juices and enhances their flavor. You can swap the granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup if you're looking for a natural sweetener. Just adjust the amount to your taste, and ensure you mix them well to let the flavors meld.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

These bars are best served chilled, so slice them after they've been refrigerated for at least four hours. If you're planning to serve them at a gathering, a fun presentation idea is to layer the strawberry topping just before serving to keep the crust crisp and the filling intact. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and a refreshing note to the dessert.

For make-ahead options, you can prepare both the shortcake crust and cheesecake layer a day in advance. Store the baked cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator, and top with strawberries just before serving to maintain their fresh taste and texture. If you have leftovers, these bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, although I recommend enjoying them within two days for the best quality.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake Crust

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Layer

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Shortcake Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Make the Cheesecake Layer

In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and mix until combined. Pour this mixture over the baked shortcake layer.

Bake and Cool

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to release their juices.

Assemble and Serve

Once the cheesecake layer is chilled, top it with the macerated strawberries. Cut the bars into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can use a splash of almond extract in the cheesecake layer. Consider serving with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with variations of the strawberry topping. You can incorporate other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version. Just adjust the amount of sugar to suit the sweetness of the fruit used. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of orange zest to the topping for an extra burst of flavor.

If you're looking for an alternative to strawberries, peaches or even cherries can create a deliciously different topping. The tartness of cherries pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheesecake and buttery shortcake, creating a delightful contrast. Just remember to adjust the sugar content accordingly, as different fruits have varied sweetness levels.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cheesecake layer cracks when baking, it may be due to overmixing the batter or baking at too high a temperature. To prevent this, mix the ingredients until just combined and ensure your oven is accurately calibrated. If you do notice cracks, feel free to cover them with fresh strawberry topping, which will add an appealing and delicious element to your dessert.

Should your bars come out too soft or runny, it’s likely that they didn’t set long enough in the refrigerator. Ensure you allow ample chilling time, preferably overnight for the best results. If you need a quicker solution, you could pop them in the freezer for a short while, being cautious not to freeze them completely, as that could alter the creamy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries work best, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw and drain them properly.

→ How long do the cheesecake bars last?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy milk or cream for lighter variations.