Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake with the rich and creamy texture of cheesecake. These bars are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their vibrant strawberry flavor and crunchy cookie crust, they are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars is a great choice for several reasons. They are easy to prepare, and the combination of flavors offers a refreshing dessert that is perfect for warm weather. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate them, making them an excellent option for gatherings. These bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, bringing a touch of elegance to your table.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

20 Strawberry Shortcake Oreo Cookies
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
12 large strawberries (pureed)
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
12 Strawberry Shortcake Oreo Cookies, divided

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting later. Lightly coat with cooking spray. In a food processor, blend 20 Strawberry Shortcake Oreos into crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Keep the oven set to 325°F.
Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth, yielding about 3/4 cup of puree. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring the mixture is fully combined after each addition. Mix in the strawberry puree until the filling is smooth and well-blended.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust. Crumble 8 Strawberry Shortcake Oreos and sprinkle them over the top of the cheesecake filling. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Cool and Serve: Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. Use the foil overhang to carefully lift the bars out of the pan. Remove the foil and place the cheesecake on a cutting board. Crumble the remaining 4 Oreos and sprinkle them over the top of the cheesecake before slicing into squares.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Serve the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars chilled or at room temperature. You can garnish them with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for an extra special touch. These bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, but make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can work in a pinch.
If you want a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree to remove any seeds.

Variation

You can modify this recipe by using different flavored Oreos, like vanilla or chocolate, to create unique flavor profiles. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache on top for a chocolatey twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cookies for the crust?
Yes! You can use any cookie you like for the crust, such as graham crackers or traditional Oreos.

2. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden and the center should be set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars!