The aroma of Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads fills the air, inviting you into a world of sweet delight. Picture this: buttery shortbread cookies topped with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries that burst with flavor. It’s a dessert that promises to make your taste buds dance and your heart sing.
I remember the first time I made these delightful treats for a family gathering. My cousin, who claims to be a “dessert connoisseur,” took one bite and declared it the best thing since sliced bread. Now, every summer picnic without these shortbreads is like going out without pants—just plain wrong! These little gems are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy evening at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy days
- Their delightful flavor profile combines sweet strawberries with creamy cheesecake goodness
- Visually stunning, they add elegance to any gathering with their vibrant colors
- Versatile enough to enjoy as an everyday treat or dress up for special occasions
Everyone in my family raves about how delicious these Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads are—they practically disappear before they hit the plate.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for a rich flavor and smooth texture in your shortbread base.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener will give the cookies their delightful sweetness; don’t skimp on it!
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All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our shortbread; choose high-quality flour for the best results.
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Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness to the cheesecake layer and keeps it creamy and smooth.
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Cream Cheese: Go for full-fat cream cheese to achieve that dreamy cheesecake consistency.
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Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe strawberries for maximum flavor; they’re the stars of this dessert!
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Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out all the flavors beautifully; pure vanilla extract is preferred.
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Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze brightens up the cheesecake mixture and balances the sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Create the Shortbread Base: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Flour for Structure: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until just combined. The dough should come together but remain slightly crumbly—this is normal!
Bake Your Shortbread Base: Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Make Your Cheesecake Layer: While your shortbread cools, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth. It should be fluffy like a cloud on a sunny day!
Add Strawberries on Top: Chop fresh strawberries into small pieces and fold them gently into your cheesecake mixture, being careful not to crush them too much. You want those juicy bits throughout!
Assemble and Chill!: Spread the cheesecake-strawberry mixture over your cooled shortbread base evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing into squares.
Enjoying these Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads is like biting into summer itself! The creamy filling paired with juicy strawberries atop buttery shortbread creates an explosion of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Now you’re armed with everything you need to impress friends or just treat yourself after a long day! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads are a delightful blend of sweet and creamy, perfect for any occasion
- They melt in your mouth, leaving a hint of strawberry goodness
- Bake them to golden perfection for an irresistible treat that impresses everyone who takes a bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add the flour and cream cheese. This sequence ensures a light and airy texture while making sure those flavors mingle beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. A dash of lemon zest can elevate the flavor profile for an extra zing that dances on your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to reheat, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about five minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid sticky dough, chill it briefly before rolling out
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and color
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending and better consistency
Sharing these shortbreads during a picnic last summer brought smiles and laughter; nothing beats homemade treats shared with friends under the sun.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads?
Yes, but fresh strawberries yield better flavor and texture in this recipe.
How long do Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads last?
These delightful treats stay fresh for up to five days when stored properly.
Can I make these shortbreads gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Shortbreads are the perfect blend of buttery shortbread, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries. These delightful treats are quick to prepare and serve as an elegant dessert for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy family gatherings. With their irresistible flavors and beautiful presentation, they are guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined; the dough should be slightly crumbly.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
- While cooling, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Fold in chopped strawberries gently.
- Spread the cheesecake-strawberry mixture over the cooled shortbread base. Refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
