Scale

For the shortcake crust:

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the cheesecake layer:

12 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the strawberry topping:

2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

Optional topping:

Whipped cream

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.

4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.

5. Bake crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

6. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

7. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until creamy.

8. Pour cheesecake mixture over warm crust.

9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until set.

10. While baking, toss strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.

11. Cool bars completely, then spoon strawberries over top.

12. Chill at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

• Chill fully for clean slices.

• Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge.

Keywords: strawberry shortcake cheesecake bars, strawberry cheesecake bars, easy dessert bars