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An extreme close-up of a Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bar, highlighting the crumbly shortbread topping and fresh strawberry layer.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars (The Ultimate Easy Recipe)

Discover the ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars recipe! A buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry topping make this the perfect easy dessert for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Crust & Crumble
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup cold salted butter cubed
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 0.25 cup sour cream room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries diced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • 1 8x8 inch baking pan
  • 1 Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour and 0.5 cup of granulated sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture becomes coarse crumbs.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until it's lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  5. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 0.75 cup of granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
  6. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just combined. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
  7. In a separate bowl, gently toss the diced strawberries with 2 tbsp granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
  8. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake filling. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumb mixture evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is almost set. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
  10. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.

Notes

For the smoothest cheesecake, ensure your cold ingredients (cream cheese, egg, sour cream) are at room temperature.
Do not overmix the cheesecake filling, as this can cause cracks.
Chilling the bars thoroughly is crucial for clean cuts and the best texture.