Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars offer the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The shortbread layer is buttery and melt-in-your-mouth, while the cream cheese filling adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries. The strawberry layer is bright and refreshing, making it a perfect summer treat. These bars are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for busy days when you want a delicious dessert without the fuss.

Ingredients

Shortbread Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Strawberry Layer:

• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 small package strawberry Jell-O (1.4 ounce)
• 2 cups strawberries

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz. cream cheese (1 block)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup heavy cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the shortbread layer:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the vanilla extract and egg yolk, mixing well.
   • Gradually add the flour and milk, mixing until combined into a dough.
   • Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   • Bake the shortbread layer for about 15-18 minutes or until it’s lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
2. Prepare the strawberry layer:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the water, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the cornstarch.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it boils and thickens, remove from heat.
   • Add the strawberry Jell-O mix and stir until dissolved and smooth.
   • Chop the strawberries into small pieces and fold them into the mixture.
   • Let the strawberry mixture cool slightly before spreading it evenly over the cooled shortbread layer.
3. Prepare the cream cheese layer:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
   • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
   • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry layer, smoothing the top.
4. Chill the bars:
   • Place the bars in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the layers are firm and set.
5. Serve and enjoy:
   • Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the layers of sweet, creamy goodness!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings and takes about 30 minutes of preparation time, plus 2-3 hours of chilling time to set the layers.

Variations

• Berry Variations: Feel free to use other berries like raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
• Add a Crumble Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle a crumbly streusel topping on top of the cream cheese layer before chilling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a decadent addition to the dessert.
• Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a citrusy kick that pairs well with the strawberries.

Storage/Reheating

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These bars are best served cold, so keep them chilled until ready to enjoy. They do not require reheating and should be enjoyed straight from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They actually taste better after chilling for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the recipe.

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream in the cream cheese layer?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whipped topping or make your own whipped cream by beating heavy cream with a little sugar. For a lighter option, you could also use a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.

4. Can I substitute the strawberry Jell-O with a different flavor?

Yes, you can substitute the strawberry Jell-O with another flavor like raspberry, peach, or even lemon for a unique twist on the recipe.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter for the shortbread layer?

While butter provides the best flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute if needed. The texture and taste may vary slightly, but it will still work as a base.

6. Can I use a different crust for the bars?

Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust, digestive biscuit crust, or even a pre-made pie crust for the shortbread layer if you prefer.

7. How do I keep the cream cheese layer from being too runny?

Make sure to whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture. This will help keep the cream cheese layer firm. Also, ensure the strawberry layer has cooled properly before adding the cream cheese layer on top.

8. Can I add more sugar to the cream cheese layer for extra sweetness?

If you prefer a sweeter cream cheese layer, you can add a little more powdered sugar, but keep in mind that the strawberry layer is already quite sweet.

9. Do I need to bake the crust?

Yes, the shortbread crust needs to be baked for a few minutes to set and turn golden brown before adding the layers on top.

10. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 1-2 months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container, and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries, the richness of cream cheese, and the buttery goodness of shortbread. These bars are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. With their creamy layers and fruity topping, they make for a refreshing treat, especially during the warmer months. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors with every bite!

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