Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars are the perfect mix of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a buttery shortcake-style crust. They’re rich, refreshing, and ideal for spring and summer desserts, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a beautiful strawberry treat that slices perfectly.

Ingredients

For the shortcake crust

• 2 cups crushed golden sandwich cookies or vanilla shortbread cookies
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the strawberry layer

• 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the cheesecake layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream

For the crumb topping

• ¾ cup crushed cookies (same as crust)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Make the crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Mix crushed cookies, melted butter, and sugar until evenly coated. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the strawberry layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring until thickened and jam-like. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until smooth and lump-free.

Step 4: Assemble the bars

Spread strawberry mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Gently pour cheesecake filling on top and smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off oven and crack the door slightly, letting bars cool for 30 minutes inside.

Step 6: Chill and slice

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing for clean layers.

Variations

• Use strawberry pie filling instead of fresh strawberries
• Swap strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries
• Add white chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer
• Use graham crackers instead of shortbread cookies
• Add freeze-dried strawberries to the crumb topping

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled for best texture
• Top with whipped cream before serving
• Garnish with fresh strawberry slices
• Pair with iced coffee or lemonade
• Perfect for BBQs, baby showers, and holidays

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approx.)

• Calories: 320 per bar
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 17g

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars are creamy, fruity, and perfectly balanced with a buttery crust and crumb topping. This dessert is guaranteed to impress and quickly become a favorite.