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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

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Buttery shortbread crust, creamy vanilla bean cheesecake, and a vibrant strawberry jam swirl make these bars an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups whole frozen strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2/3 cup finely crushed Nilla wafers
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 7 ounces full-fat block cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon thick whole milk ricotta cheese room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Combine the strawberries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring and mashing occasionally, until the strawberries are fully broken down and the juices are bubbling.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water to make a slurry.
  4. Add the cornstarch slurry to the jam.
  5. Continue cooking for 2 minutes, or until the jam has thickened.
  6. Transfer the jam to a bowl and let it cool completely.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  8. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides.
  9. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, crushed Nilla wafers, and fine sea salt.
  10. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  11. Mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract until just combined.
  12. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
  13. Mix until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
  14. If the dough is too sticky, mix in additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable.
  15. Press half of the dough (about 320 g) evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch pan to form the crust.
  16. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
  17. Refrigerate both portions of dough (crust in pan and reserved dough) while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
  18. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until smooth and lump-free.
  19. Scrape down the bowl.
  20. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
  21. Scrape down the bowl between egg additions.
  22. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste.
  23. Add the ricotta cheese and mix until smooth.
  24. Scrape down the bowl.
  25. Mix in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until fully incorporated.
  26. Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled shortbread crust in the pan.
  27. Spread the filling into an even layer.
  28. Dollop the completely cooled strawberry jam over the cheesecake filling.
  29. Gently spread the jam across the surface of the filling.
  30. Break the remaining reserved shortbread dough into small crumbles.
  31. Scatter the crumbles evenly over the top of the jam and cheesecake.
  32. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center registers 155°F and the bars jiggle slightly as one when gently shaken.
  33. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, until the bottom of the pan no longer feels warm.
  34. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, before slicing.
  35. When ready to cut, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar.
  36. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wipe the blade clean between each cut.

Notes

Ensure all cold ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
Cool the strawberry jam completely before adding it to the cheesecake filling to prevent bleeding.
Chill the bars for at least 6 hours or overnight for clean, firm slices.
Warming your knife under hot water and wiping it clean between cuts will give you neat, professional-looking slices.

Find it online: https://timelesscrumb.com/strawberry-cheesecake-bars/