Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines two classic treats into one. The bottom layer is a crunchy, sweet crust made from Strawberry Shortcake Oreo Cookies. The middle is a creamy cheesecake made from cream cheese and strawberry puree. Finally, there’s a topping of more crushed oreos for added sweetness and texture. They are perfect for gatherings, parties, or whenever you crave something sweet.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe is not only easy to make but also gives you a wonderful taste experience. The flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake work together in harmony. The Strawberry Shortcake Oreo crust adds a unique twist, making the bars special. Plus, they are visually appealing with their lovely colors, making them inviting on any dessert table. You get the best of both worlds with cheesecake and shortcake, and they are easy to cut into bars for serving. Whether you love fruit desserts or creamy treats, these bars will surely satisfy your cravings.

HOW TO MAKE Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Making Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars is straightforward and fun. You start with creating a delicious crust, follow it with a smooth cheesecake filling, and finish with a tasty topping. Each step is simple and will guide you to make this delicious dessert successfully.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars, you will need the following equipment:

Oven
8-inch square baking pan
Aluminum foil
Cooking spray
Food processor or blender
Mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars, gather these ingredients:

20 Strawberry Shortcake Oreo Cookies
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
12 large strawberries
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

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil. Leave some foil hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the bars out later. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray.
Make the crust: In a food processor, blend the 20 Strawberry Shortcake Oreo Cookies until they turn into crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and mix well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Make sure to keep the oven on at 325 degrees.
Prepare the strawberry puree: Take 12 large strawberries and put them in a blender. Puree them until you have about 3/4 cup of strawberry puree.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it is fluffy and smooth. Add the granulated sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it is well combined and smooth.
Add the eggs: Add the eggs to the cheesecake mixture one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg is added. Then, stir in the strawberry puree until it is all incorporated.
Combine and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust in the pan. Sprinkle crumbled Oreo Cookies on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the filling should be slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, place them in the refrigerator for at least two hours. After they are chilled, use the foil to lift the bars out of the pan. Remove the foil and top with the remaining crumbled Oreo Cookies before slicing them into bars and serving.

HOW TO SERVE Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

Serve the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars chilled for the best taste. You can cut them into squares and place them on a serving platter. They look inviting with the crushed Oreo topping and vibrant strawberry color. This dessert is great for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator. Keep the bars in an airtight container for up to a week. If you would like to freeze them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These cheesecake bars can be served on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Fresh strawberries can be added as a garnish for an extra pop of color and flavor. You could also drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel on top for a richer dessert experience.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to switch up this recipe if you want to experiment. You can use different flavors of Oreo cookies for the crust, such as regular or mint. Instead of strawberries, you might try raspberries or blueberries for a berry cheesecake. You could even add a layer of chocolate ganache on top for a chocolate version. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cookies for the crust?
Yes, any type of cookie that you enjoy can work for the crust. Try regular Oreos, chocolate cookies, or graham crackers.

2. How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
You want the edges to be golden brown, and the filling should still be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will set up more as it cools.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cookies for the crust, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. How long do the cheesecake bars need to chill?
After baking, it is best to chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This helps the bars to firm up and makes slicing easier.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars

You can prepare these cheesecake bars a day in advance. Make them, let them cool, and chill overnight. The flavors have time to meld, and they will be ready to serve the next day. Plus, it’ll save you time on the day you plan to enjoy them!

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars