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These strawberry cream cheese squares feature three mouthwatering layers - a crumbly buttery base, smooth cream cheese center, and juicy fresh strawberry topping. They're an absolute hit at any springtime get-together or summer cookout.
I whipped these bars up for my daughter's birthday bash when she asked for "anything with strawberries except cake." They vanished so fast I barely snagged a taste myself, and now they're my favorite easy-yet-fancy dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Creates the base of our buttery shortbread layer providing awesome contrast to the soft filling
- Cream cheese: Stick with full fat Philadelphia for the tastiest outcome and smoothest texture as other types can make everything too runny
- Fresh strawberries: Pick completely red berries for maximum sweetness and if you're using frozen ones make sure to thaw and dry them well first
- Sour cream: Brings a nice zing and helps the filling turn silky smooth just make sure it's not cold from the fridge to avoid bumps
- Vanilla extract: Makes both layers taste better I suggest real vanilla instead of the fake stuff
- Unsalted butter: Lets you add salt yourself properly get it nice and soft before you start mixing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
- Mix flour sugar soft butter vanilla and salt in a bowl. Work everything together with your fingertips or a dough tool until it looks like rough sand and sticks when squeezed. Push it down firmly all over your pan so it's completely flat and even.
- Prebake the crust:
- Pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 12 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden. This quick bake keeps the bottom from getting mushy under the cream cheese layer. Let it cool for 10 minutes while you get the filling ready.
- Mix the filling:
- Whip the soft cream cheese and sugar until it's totally lump free roughly 2 minutes on medium. Don't forget to scrape the bowl sides a few times. Add egg vanilla and sour cream and mix just enough to combine don't overmix or you'll get air bubbles and cracks later.
- Bake the filling:
- Pour your cream cheese mix over the somewhat cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Bake for 18 20 minutes until it's firm around the edges but still wiggles a bit in the middle. It'll firm up more as it cools down.
- Prepare strawberry topping:
- While everything's cooling trim and dice strawberries into small bits. Mix them with sugar and lemon juice and let them sit for at least 10 minutes. The sugar pulls out their juice making a naturally sweet sauce.
- Assemble and chill:
- After the bars cool to room temp spread the strawberry mix evenly on top. Stick them in the fridge for at least 2 hours but overnight works even better so all the flavors can mingle properly.
- Slice and serve:
- For really neat squares dunk a sharp knife in hot water wipe it dry and cut in one smooth motion. Clean your knife between cuts if you want them looking picture perfect.
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Make Ahead Options
These strawberry cream cheese squares actually taste way better after spending the night in your fridge, which makes them perfect when you're having guests over. The filling gets completely set, and all the flavors come together beautifully. You can make the whole thing up to three days before and keep it cold. If you want the strawberries super fresh, you can do the crust and filling ahead of time, then add the strawberry mix just a few hours before you plan to serve them.
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Seasonal Variations
While strawberries make the classic version of these squares, you can switch things up based on what's growing right now. During summer, try fresh blueberries or sliced peaches instead. In fall, go for apple or pear topping with a bit of cinnamon. Winter works great with citrus topping or even a swirl of melted chocolate. The cream cheese part goes well with pretty much any fruit, so you can enjoy this treat all year using whatever's in season.
Serving Suggestions
These bars fit right between casual and fancy. For family dessert, just serve them cold right out of the fridge. For dinner parties, put single squares on plates with a spoonful of sweetened whipped cream and a pretty strawberry fan on top. They go really well with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack too. If you want to make them extra special, drizzle a little good white chocolate over each piece or serve them with a scoop of real vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to use frozen strawberries?
Sure, frozen strawberries work! Just thaw and drain the extra liquid to keep the topping from getting watery.
- → How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
Leave cream cheese out at room temp for half an hour. Pressed for time? Pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Chill them in the fridge after prep. They get even better after a day or two.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Keep them fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- → Can sour cream be swapped out?
You bet! Use plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream for a similar taste and thickness.