Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; Whipped cream (optional)

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Favorites

When I first decided to create Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars, I knew I wanted to blend the freshness of strawberries with the richness of cheesecake. The combination has become a favorite in my kitchen, as each bite melts in your mouth. I love how well the crumbled shortcake pairs with the creamy cheesecake layer, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. Plus, the vibrant colors of the strawberries make it beautiful to serve at gatherings. Join me in crafting this dessert that’s sure to impress!

Created by

Beatrice Holloway

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:25:37.239Z

Creating these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars was an adventure in itself. I had a vision of a dessert that combined the lightness of a shortcake with the rich, tangy flavor of cheesecake, and I was excited to bring it to life. After a few trials, I found that folding whipped cream into the cheesecake batter made it airy and indulgent, ensuring a perfect bite every time.

On the day I served these bars to my friends, the response was overwhelming! Everyone loved the balance between the sweetness of the strawberries and the creamy base. A quick tip: make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; it blends seamlessly and avoids lumps for that smooth texture we crave!

Why You Will Love These Bars
A harmonious blend of strawberry freshness with a creamy cheesecake richness
Delightfully crumbly shortcake topping for the perfect crunch
Visually stunning and perfect for sharing at gatherings

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars is the shortcake base. Made with all-purpose flour, this ingredient provides the desired structure and texture. The cold, cubed butter is crucial; it creates flaky layers which contribute to that perfect crumbly bite. If you're short on time, you could substitute with a store-bought biscuit mix, but I recommend preparing it from scratch for the best flavor and texture.

In the cheesecake filling, cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor while providing that signature creamy consistency. It's essential for the cream cheese to be softened; otherwise, you might end up with lumps in your batter. For a lighter version, consider using whipped cream cheese, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Pairing it with fresh strawberries adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color that rises above typical cheesecake flavors.

Perfecting Your Technique

When preparing the shortcake base, make sure to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients before adding the butter. This ensures even distribution of the baking powder and salt. When rubbing in the butter, aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs; this creates the right texture for the shortcake. If you find it too crumbly when pressing into the pan, a splash more heavy cream can help it hold together.

During the cheesecake filling phase, folding in the whipped cream is key. This gentle technique not only lightens the cheesecake but preserves its airy texture. Be patient here, as you want to incorporate the whipped cream without deflating it. After pouring the filling over the baked shortcake, it’s crucial to watch the baking time; overcooking can lead to a dry texture, so look for a slightly jiggly center as an indication that it's done.

Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, gather these delightful ingredients!

For the Shortcake Base

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Topping

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Whipped cream (optional)

Now that you have everything ready, let’s start creating these delicious bars!

Instructions

Follow these steps closely to ensure your bars come out perfectly!

Prepare the Shortcake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, fold in the diced strawberries and whipped cream gently until the mixture is well combined. Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked shortcake base.

Bake and Cool

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Serve

Once chilled, slice into bars. Top with fresh sliced strawberries and whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars!

Your delicious bars are ready to impress friends and family!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use ripe strawberries and don’t skip the chilling time
the cheesecake needs to set properly for the best texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for parties or gatherings. Once cooled and chilled, you can slice the bars and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This not only maintains freshness but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delectable over time.

If you want to freeze these bars for later enjoyment, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This method preserves both flavor and texture, making them a convenient treat anytime.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a touch of elegance, consider serving these bars with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a simple berry sauce made from blended fresh strawberries. A few mint leaves placed artfully on top can elevate the presentation. If you want to experiment with flavors, try substituting the strawberries with raspberries or peaches for a different fruit twist—each variation brings a new dimension to the bars.

If you enjoy an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the cheesecake filling. This will brighten the overall taste and complement the strawberries beautifully. Alternatively, for a gluten-free option, you can replace the all-purpose flour in the shortcake base with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping the proportions consistent for a similar texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.

→ How do I store leftover bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance; they taste even better after sitting overnight.

→ Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.