A taste of summer sunshine in every bite - Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars!
Summer is all about sunshine, warm days, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. And for me, nothing says "summer" quite like the sweet, juicy taste of ripe strawberries. This is why I'm absolutely smitten with these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars. They combine the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all in one delightful bar.
Imagine: a buttery, crumbly shortcake crust, a layer of creamy, tangy cheesecake, topped with a vibrant layer of fresh, juicy strawberries and a drizzle of sweet, homemade strawberry sauce. It's a dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth and transport you straight to a sunny picnic by the lake.
These bars are not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make. No need to whip up a complicated recipe; simply layer up the ingredients, bake them, and let them chill. It's a dessert that you can whip up for a weekend gathering, a potluck, or just a simple treat for yourself.
So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's dive into the simple joy of making these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars together!

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

INGREDIENTS

For the crust:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup milk
For the cheesecake filling:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
½ cup heavy cream
For the strawberry topping:
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry sauce (optional):
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

DIRECTIONS

Make the crust:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the milk, mixing until the dough just comes together.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
Make the cheesecake filling:
1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
2. Beat in the vanilla extract.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. Gradually beat in the heavy cream until smooth.
Assemble the bars:
1. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust.
2. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cheesecake filling.
Make the strawberry topping:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Let cool slightly.
4. Pour the cooled strawberry sauce over the strawberries on the cheesecake bars.
Chill and serve:
1. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
2. Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled.
Optional:
If you like, you can make a simple strawberry sauce by simmering 1 cup of sliced strawberries with ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. Let cool and drizzle over the finished bars.
Tips for success:
Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
Don't over-mix the crust dough; it should be crumbly.
Let the cheesecake filling chill for at least 4 hours before serving to ensure it sets properly.
You can also use a store-bought graham cracker crust for this recipe if you're short on time.
These bars are best served chilled.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars!
This dessert will surely become a favorite among your friends and family. The perfect combination of sweetness, tartness, and creaminess, it's a dessert that celebrates the taste of summer in every bite. Go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to impress everyone with your delicious creation!