Best 7 Cheesecake Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipes

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Indulge in a delectable treat with our Cheesecake Bars with Shortbread Crust, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These irresistible bars feature a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust that perfectly complements the creamy, rich cheesecake filling. Each bite offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, with a hint of vanilla and a graham cracker crust option for an extra touch of nostalgia.

These cheesecake bars are not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight. The vibrant red raspberry sauce, made from fresh or frozen raspberries, adds a pop of color and a burst of fruity sweetness. For a touch of elegance, the bars are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, creating an enchanting presentation that will impress your guests.

But the journey doesn't end there. This versatile recipe offers two additional flavor variations to satisfy every craving. The Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are a decadent indulgence, featuring a rich chocolate filling that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cheesecake. For those who prefer a classic combination, the Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat, with a vibrant strawberry filling that adds a refreshing twist.

These cheesecake bars are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, even novice bakers can create these culinary masterpieces. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these Cheesecake Bars with Shortbread Crust are sure to be a hit.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

NEW YORK CHEESECAKE WITH SHORTBREAD CRUST



New York Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust image

Light, creamy and smooth, this traditional New York cheesecake will melt in your mouth. I rely on a tender change-of-pace shortbread crust instead of graham cracker crust. This recipe takes time, but it's not difficult, and the result is well worth the effort. -Karen Nielson, St. George, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 2h20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
5 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups cranberry juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries, divided
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries or boysenberries

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil securely around pan. Place on a baking sheet., In a small bowl, mix flour, sugar and lemon zest; cut in butter until crumbly. Add egg yolks and vanilla, tossing with a fork until mixture pulls together., Press onto bottom and 1-1/2 in. up sides of prepared pan. Bake until lightly browned, 12-16 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in cream, flour, vanilla, lemon juice and zest. Add eggs and egg yolks; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake until center is just set and top appears dull, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled. Remove rim of pan. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add cranberry and lemon juices. Stir in 1 cup raspberries. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in butter., Strain sauce; discard seeds. Cool to room temperature. Stir in the blueberries, blackberries and remaining raspberries. Serve with cheesecake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 494 calories, Fat 36g fat (21g saturated fat), Cholesterol 200mg cholesterol, Sodium 295mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 8g protein.

LEMON CHEESECAKE BARS



Lemon Cheesecake Bars image

These Lemon Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy! Made with a simple shortbread crust, cheesecake and lemon layers, they're make ahead and freezer friendly.

Provided by Ashley Fehr

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup white sugar
½ cup salted butter
2 Tbsp grated lemon zest
1 package (8 oz/226 cream cheese (cubed)
½ cup white sugar
1 egg
4 extra-large eggs (room temperature)
1⅔ cups white sugar
⅔ cup all-purpose flour
⅔ cup lemon juice (2 to 3 large lemons)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°Grease a 9- × 9-inch baking pan.
  • Cut out a 9- × 9-inch square of parchment paper and lay on top of the greased bottom of the pan
  • For the crust, use a pastry blender to combine the flour, cornstarch, sugar, butter, and lemon zest until the mixture is coarse crumbs, with the butter worked in. Press the dough into the greased baking pan, on top of the parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove and place the pan on a wire rack to cool slightly. Leave the oven switched on.
  • For the cream cheese layer, fit a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until light and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the egg completely, then pour the mixture onto the warm crust. Return to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly set on top. You need to have the top cooked in a slight crust so the lemon layer doesn't seep through when poured on top. Remove. Leave the oven switched on.
  • For the lemon layer, whisk together all the ingredients by hand. Gently pour over the cream cheese layer, trying not to disturb it. Spread out the lemon in an even layer.
  • Return to the hot oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is just set in the center.
  • Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered to letthe filling set completely. This should be refrigerated at least 3 hours, but more time may be needed.
  • Sprinkle with icing sugar if desired. Slice into squares to serve.
  • These can be stored in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, or frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 188 kcal, Carbohydrate 28 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 52 mg, Sodium 75 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 20 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHEESECAKE BARS



Cheesecake Bars image

Dense and creamy with a hint of lemon and a crisp graham cracker crust, these cheesecake bars are an easy alternative to NY cheesecake.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h35m

Yield 16 squares

Number Of Ingredients 13

1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs, from 10 whole crackers
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
16 ounces (2 8-oz. packages) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons all purpose flour
¼ cup sour cream
3 large eggs
2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon packed freshly grated lemon zest, from 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line an 8-inch baking dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil (so that there is an overhang on at least 2 sides) and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until well combined, using your fingertips if necessary to be sure no lumps of brown sugar remain. Press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until set. Remove the crust from the oven and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
  • Make the batter: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with beaters or the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour together on medium speed until just smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sour cream, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt; beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute. Do not over-mix.
  • Pour the batter into the slightly cooled crust. Check to make sure your oven has cooled to 325°F, then bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the filling is set but still a little jiggly in the center. (An instant-read thermometer, inserted into the filling about 1" in from the edge, should read between 180°-190°F.) The cheesecake will continue to cook as it cools. Remove the bars from the oven, and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate until cold, at least 6 hours but preferably overnight.
  • Use the foil overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into squares, wiping the knife clean with a damp cloth between slices. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Note: The cheesecake bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cheesecake bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled cheesecake (cut or uncut) on a plate and freeze, uncovered, until firm. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Seal and return to freezer for up to 3 months. Remove the foil before defrosting.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 square, Calories 248, Fat 16 g, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sugar 20 g, Fiber 0 g, Sodium 166 mg, Cholesterol 77 mg

CHEESECAKE BARS



Cheesecake Bars image

Rich and creamy as cheesecake, but much easier to make!

Provided by Frances Mann

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Bar Cookie Recipes     Cheesecake Bar Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 10

⅓ cup butter, softened
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup chopped walnuts
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
¼ cup white sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons milk
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C).
  • To make Pastry: Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the flour and chopped nuts and stir until mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside 1/4 cup to use as a topping.
  • Press pastry mixture into 8-inch square pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on rack.
  • To make Filling: Beat together the white sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the egg, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix well. Spread filling mixture over baked crust. Sprinkle reserved mixture on as a topping.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on wire rack and refrigerate. Serve with fruit.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 72.6 calories, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Cholesterol 16.7 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 33.7 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

LEMON CHEESECAKE BARS



Lemon Cheesecake Bars image

These creamy lemon cheesecake bars have a smoother texture than the usual custard texture of a boxed lemon bar mix. I just about died when I had them the first time. A good friend made them for another friend's birthday. I immediately asked her for the recipe as my Christmas present. She courteously obliged. They are the best!

Provided by Susan Langlois

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 3h35m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ½ cups shortbread cookie crumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup cold butter
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons lemon zest
½ teaspoon baking powder
4 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil.
  • Mix shortbread crumbs, flour, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in butter using 2 knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press over the bottom of the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and white sugar using an electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs and flour. Mix well. Blend in lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Pour filling over the crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until center is set, 25 to 28 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 45 minutes. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar right before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411.3 calories, Carbohydrate 52.6 g, Cholesterol 95.5 mg, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 11.1 g, Sodium 234.4 mg, Sugar 36.2 g

BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS (SHORTBREAD CRUST)



Blueberry Cheesecake Bars (Shortbread Crust) image

I can't remember where I got this, but it rocks. One happy accident which I didn't do this time, is to mix the pie filling or preserves into the cheesecake batter. Makes it more stable for transport and handling.

Provided by Tugar357

Categories     For Large Groups

Time 1h5m

Yield 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup blueberry preserves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cut butter into 1/2 inch cubes. In a food processor, add cubed butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
  • Process until mixture forms small lumps.
  • Sprinkle into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan, pressing down with spatula to form crust.
  • Bake in the middle of oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  • In a bowl whisk cream cheese until smooth then add eggs, white sugar and vanilla.
  • Evenly spread preserves over hot shortbread for traditional look then cover with cheesecake mixture. For a more stable bar, mix preserves into batter.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 3 hours ( good luck with that step).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229.4, Fat 12.7, SaturatedFat 7.4, Cholesterol 51.6, Sodium 120.7, Carbohydrate 26.4, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 16.2, Protein 2.8

NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE ON SHORTBREAD CRUST



New York Style Cheesecake on Shortbread Crust image

This is the consummate cheesecake. You won't want any other's after you've had this one. I like to take my ingredients out on Friday morning before work and bake it Friday night when it's cool and quiet. That way it's ready to serve early Saturday.

Provided by Steve_G

Categories     Cheesecake

Time 3h30m

Yield 1 ten inch cake, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 lbs cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1 pinch salt
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 large eggs
2 egg yolks (from large eggs)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Steps:

  • PREP------.
  • As with all baking, have all your ingredients at a cool room temperature (65°F).
  • Get a couple quarts of water boiling on the stove.
  • Arrange racks in your oven so there's one on the lowest and one in the middle. If you do not have a center position then go mid-lower.
  • Have a clean 10x14x2-inch (give or take) roasting pan ready.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Grease 10 inch springform pan.
  • CRUST-------.
  • Gently combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1/2 cup butter in a medium bowl.
  • Spread to the edges of the pan.
  • Prick all over with a fork, then bake 10-15 minutes at 400°F until lightly browned. Allow to cool on a rack.
  • FILLING------.
  • Increase oven temperature to 475°F.
  • Turn oven light off (trust me on this one), place roasting pan on bottom rack and fill with boiling water.
  • In a large bowl (I use my stand mixer), very gently beat cream cheese until smooth. I use the slowest setting for 5 minutes.
  • Scrape down sides of bowl.
  • Gradually add the salt, 1 3/4 cups sugar and 3 tablespoons flour -- continue to beat SLOWLY until well combined, scrape down sides of bowl.
  • In a small bowl gently beat the vanilla, 5 eggs and the 2 yolks, gradually add eggs to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Continue to stir until combined and smooth, stop mixer occasionally and scrape down sides.
  • VERY IMPORTANT! Stop mixer, remove bowl and give it a good scraping (some of the cream cheese will stick to the sides and bottom of the bowl), replace bowl on mixer and stir until all lumps are gone.
  • Add cream and mix only enough to blend.
  • Gently pour filling over crust, run a thin knife around the filling in a S pattern to remove any trapped air bubbles. Let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes then do it again.
  • Bake for 10 minutes at 475°F.
  • Reduce temperature to 200°F and continue to bake for one hour.
  • Turn oven off, but leave cake in for another hour.
  • DON'T TOUCH THAT OVEN DOOR! You've created a nice, humid environment that will help prevent cracks and produce a perfect, professional, NY style cheese cake assuming you didn't mess with it by changing the atmospheric conditions.
  • It may appear a little jiggly in the center and will have a golden appearance around the edges.
  • Allow to cool on a rack for several hours, release the latch slightly on the side of the pan after 20 minutes, rotate sides to be sure the cake is free (but don't take it off yet), you can remove the sides after an hour (or so) if you want to admire your work, but replace it quickly or the cake may fall.
  • After it's cool, wrap completely with plastic wrap, there should be a layer stuck to the top of the cake.
  • Chill overnight in the refrigerator (Yes, this is required).
  • The cake will stay at peak flavor for several days so long as you keep it wrapped and cold.
  • What can go wrong?.
  • If the cake cracks you either had your ingredients too cold, mixed the filling too vigorously, opened the oven door while the cake was cooking or didn't have a pan of water in the oven.
  • If it does crack, don't despair -- just cover with a dark fruit or a layer of cookie crumbs.
  • Toppings------.
  • Nothing (my favorite).
  • OR, boil a bag of frozen berries with a 1/4 cup of sugar until the liquid coats the back of a spoon, thicken with a table spoon of cornstarch mixed into a 1/4 cup of cold water -- Pour in slowly while maintaining the boil and stirring constantly.
  • Adjust thickness by adding liquid or more cornstarch.
  • Flavor with liqueur, fruit juice or extract.
  • Blueberries or raspberries with Chambord is awesome, cherries work well with Frangelico or Amaretto. If you do use an alcoholic beverage, be sure to boil off alcohol. Cool fruit sauce in a mason jar and refrigerate. Keeps longer than the cheese cake!
  • I've served it with caramel sauce and, buttered/sliced/baked apples .
  • A light milk chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of chopped pecans and dollop of whipped cream will produce a nice turtle cake.

Tips:

  • To achieve the perfect shortbread crust, ensure that the butter is cold and cut into small pieces before mixing with the flour and sugar.
  • For a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until light and fluffy before adding the eggs one at a time.
  • To prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking, place a pan of water on the oven rack below the cheesecake.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
  • For a decadent touch, top the cheesecake bars with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.

Conclusion:

These delectable cheesecake bars with a shortbread crust are a perfect treat for any occasion. With their creamy, smooth cheesecake filling and buttery shortbread crust, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you're serving them at a party, potluck, or simply enjoying them as a special dessert, these cheesecake bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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