Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Favorites

I absolutely love combining the flavors of fresh strawberries with creamy cheesecake, so I created these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars. They have a buttery shortcake crust that perfectly complements the rich, smooth cheesecake filling and the vibrant strawberry topping. Making these bars is a fun process, and the result is a dessert that's perfect for gatherings or simply indulging at home. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a delight, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you.

Created by

Beatrice Holloway

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:09:34.385Z

When I decided to make these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars, I wanted to capture the essence of summer. The fresh strawberries truly elevate the cheesecake flavor, and I found that controlling the cooking time is crucial to achieving the perfect creaminess in the filling. By allowing the bars to cool completely, the flavors have time to meld together beautifully.

Another tip I discovered was to use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream for the filling, which gives it a rich yet tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of strawberries. Whenever I make these bars, they always disappear in record time!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Buttery shortcake base that melts in your mouth
Decadent cheesecake layer enhanced with fresh strawberries
Easy to slice and serve for gatherings

Mastering the Shortcake Base

The shortcake base is crucial for the texture of these cheesecake bars. Using a mixture of all-purpose flour and sugar creates a sweet, tender crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling. Make sure your butter is softened to prevent lumps in the dough. After pressing the dough into the baking dish, you can use a fork to poke small holes in the crust, which helps it bake evenly.

It's important not to overbake the shortcake base; aiming for a light golden color will signal it’s ready for the cheesecake layer. If it puffs up while baking, gently press it down with a spatula once it comes out of the oven to maintain a firm base for the cheesecake.

Creating the Perfect Cheesecake Filling

To ensure a smooth cheesecake filling, make sure all your dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend easily without lumps. Be cautious not to overmix once the eggs are added; mixing just until combined will help retain a light texture, preventing the filling from becoming too dense.

Additionally, you can add a splash of heavy cream to your filling for extra creaminess. If you prefer a tangy twist, swap half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt. This change keeps the filling luscious while adding a slight zing that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.

Enjoying and Storing Your Bars

These cheesecake bars can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings. Once baked and cooled, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. For serving, I recommend slicing them while chilled for cleaner cuts, then allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for optimal texture.

If you're thinking about freezing the bars, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to two months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight before serving. This makes it easy to have a tasty dessert ready whenever you need it!

Ingredients

For the Shortcake Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg

For the Cheesecake Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs

For the Strawberry Topping

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Shortcake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the softened butter and egg, mixing until a dough forms. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla, mixing well. Then, incorporate the eggs one at a time until fully blended. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the baked shortcake layer.

Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly jiggles in the center. Once done, allow it to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them macerate for about 10 minutes to release their juices. Spoon the strawberries over the cooled bars just before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla to the strawberry topping. Make sure the bars are fully cooled before adding the fruit to maintain the structure of the cheesecake.

Ingredient Insights

Selecting the right strawberries is key; look for ripe, firm berries without any bruising for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the topping soggy.

For a different flavor profile, consider incorporating other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, into the topping. These fruits will complement the cheesecake nicely while adding variation in taste and texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cheesecake filling cracks during baking, it may be due to overmixing or baking at too high of a temperature. Keep your oven at the specified temperature and try to minimize mixing once the eggs are added. You can also create a water bath by placing the baking dish in a larger pan filled with water to promote even baking.

In case the strawberry topping is too sweet or tart after maceration, you can balance it out with a touch of honey or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, you can prepare these bars a day ahead. Just cover them and keep them in the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt as a great alternative to sour cream.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries will give you better flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before topping.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.