Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars – Creamy & Irresistible

These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars combine the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Featuring a buttery Strawberry Shortcake Oreo crust, a luscious strawberry-infused cheesecake filling, and crunchy cookie crumbles on top, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and indulgent!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Crust:

• 20 Strawberry Shortcake Oreo cookies
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• 12 large strawberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 12 Strawberry Shortcake Oreo cookies, divided

this RECIPE

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   • Crush 20 Strawberry Shortcake Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor.
   • Mix the crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined.
   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
   • Blend the strawberries into a smooth puree. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
   • Fold in the strawberry puree until evenly mixed.
   • Crush 6 Strawberry Shortcake Oreos and fold them into the batter.
3. Assemble & Bake
   • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.
   • Crumble the remaining 6 Strawberry Shortcake Oreos over the top.
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set.
   • Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
   • Once chilled, cut into bars and serve.
   • Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen strawberries for the best flavor.
• For a firmer cheesecake texture, chill overnight before serving.
• If you can’t find Strawberry Shortcake Oreos, substitute with Golden Oreos and add ½ teaspoon of strawberry extract to the filling.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
   • Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling. Cold ingredients can create a grainy texture.
2. Crushing the Cookies
   • A food processor works best for finely crushing the Strawberry Shortcake Oreos for the crust. If you don’t have one, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Prevent Overmixing
   • Beat the cheesecake filling just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks.
4. Don’t Skip the Flour
   • The all-purpose flour helps stabilize the filling, preventing it from becoming too soft or runny.
5. Bake Until Just Set
   • The center of the cheesecake should have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can cause a dry texture.
6. Chill for Best Flavor & Texture
   • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the cheesecake to set properly. This enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.
7. Cutting Clean Bars
   • Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices. Chilling the bars longer also makes slicing easier.
8. Storage & Freezing
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

Conservation & Storage Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

1. Refrigeration is Key
   • These cheesecake bars must be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their creamy texture and freshness. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.
2. How Long Do They Last?
   • When properly stored in the fridge, these bars stay fresh for up to 5 days.
3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage
   • If you want to extend their shelf life, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
   • To freeze, place individual bars on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
4. Thawing for the Best Texture
   • To enjoy frozen bars, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This helps maintain their texture without becoming too soft or soggy.
   • If you’re in a hurry, let a bar sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before eating.
5. Avoid Storing at Room Temperature
   • Because these bars contain dairy-based cheesecake filling, they should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
6. Best Way to Serve After Storage
   • For the best flavor, remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving to let the bars soften slightly. This enhances their creamy texture while keeping them firm enough to hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

1. Classic Presentation
   • Serve these bars chilled for the perfect creamy texture. Slice them neatly with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for smooth edges.
2. Topped with Whipped Cream
   • Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a swirl of stabilized whipped topping for extra richness.
3. Garnish with Fresh Strawberries
   • For a beautiful finish, top each bar with sliced fresh strawberries or a whole berry to highlight the fruity flavors.
4. Drizzle for Extra Indulgence
   • Enhance the presentation with a drizzle of strawberry sauce, white chocolate, or caramel over each bar before serving.
5. Pair with Ice Cream
   • These bars taste incredible alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or strawberry ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar
   • A light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving adds a touch of elegance.
7. Make it a Dessert Platter
   • Serve alongside other mini desserts like chocolate truffles, macarons, or fruit tarts for a beautiful dessert spread.
8. Serve with Coffee or Tea
   • These bars pair wonderfully with hot coffee, espresso, or herbal tea, balancing the sweetness with a warm, comforting drink.
9. For Special Occasions
   • Decorate with edible flowers or gold leaf for a fancy touch at birthdays, brunches, or baby showers.
10. Frozen Treat Option

• For a cool twist, freeze the bars and serve them slightly frozen for a cheesecake ice cream bar effect!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use regular Oreos instead of Strawberry Shortcake Oreos?

Yes! If you can’t find Strawberry Shortcake Oreos, use Golden Oreos and add ½ teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.

2. Do I need to use fresh strawberries, or can I use frozen ones?

You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries. If using frozen, let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before blending into a puree.

3. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set. Overbaking can cause a dry texture, so remove it as soon as the center has a slight wobble.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars taste even better after chilling overnight, making them a great make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.

5. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

To avoid cracks, don’t overmix the batter, and don’t overbake. Also, let the bars cool gradually by leaving them in the oven with the door slightly open for about 10 minutes after baking.

6. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Yes! Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookies instead of Oreos, and substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in the filling.

Conclusion – Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and indulgent flavors, making them a must-try dessert for any occasion. With their buttery cookie crust, rich strawberry-infused cheesecake filling, and crunchy cookie topping, every bite delivers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors.

These bars are easy to prepare, making them a great make-ahead dessert for parties, birthdays, or special gatherings. Whether you serve them plain, topped with whipped cream, or drizzled with strawberry sauce, they are guaranteed to impress.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it gluten-free, customize the crust with different cookies, or experiment with additional mix-ins like white chocolate chips or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra flavor.

Storing and serving these bars is also simple. They keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, and they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them a convenient treat to enjoy anytime.

Whether you’re a fan of cheesecake, strawberries, or nostalgic strawberry shortcake flavors, this dessert is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy them as a sweet afternoon treat, a show-stopping party dessert, or a delightful late-night indulgence.

More Delicious Strawberry Desserts to Try

If you love these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars, you’ll enjoy these other irresistible strawberry treats:

• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars – A creamy, fruity delight with a buttery cookie crust.

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