Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy cream cheese layer, and a sweet strawberry topping. Perfect for summer parties or family gatherings, this easy-to-make dessert offers a perfect combination of creamy and fruity flavors that will impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 ounces)
2 cups strawberries
Cream Cheese Layer:
8 oz. cream cheese (1 block)
½ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
-
Prepare the shortbread layer:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg yolk, mixing well. Gradually add flour and milk, mixing until dough forms. Press dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool completely. -
Prepare the strawberry layer:
In a small saucepan, combine water, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir to dissolve cornstarch and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once thickened, remove from heat. Stir in strawberry Jell-O until dissolved, then fold in chopped strawberries. Let the mixture cool slightly and spread evenly over the cooled shortbread layer. -
Prepare the cream cheese layer:
Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and mix to combine. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into the cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly over the strawberry layer. -
Chill the bars:
Refrigerate the bars for 2-3 hours, or until the layers are firm and set. -
Serve and enjoy:
Once chilled, cut into squares and serve cold. Enjoy the layers of sweet, creamy goodness!
Notes
Swap strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
Add a crumble topping for extra texture.
For a richer dessert, drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
Add lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a citrusy touch.
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-bars/
