No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars
These No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars are the perfect summer dessert—easy to make and packed with nostalgic flavor. They start with a buttery Nilla Wafer crust, followed by a light and creamy vanilla bean cheesecake filling swirled with sweet strawberry preserves. Each bar is topped with a generous layer of strawberry shortcake crunch, inspired by the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Nilla wafers (or graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or golden oreos)
Salted butter
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
Vanilla extract or paste
Salt
Freeze-dried strawberries
Why You’ll Love No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars:
No Oven Required: Perfect for warm days when you want a show-stopping dessert without turning on the oven.
Nostalgic Strawberry Shortcake Flavor: Inspired by the classic ice cream bars with that iconic strawberry crunch topping.
Buttery Nilla Wafer Crust: Adds the perfect sweet and slightly salty base to balance the creamy filling.
Light, Creamy, and Tangy Filling: The vanilla bean cheesecake is velvety smooth with a hint of tanginess to complement the strawberries.
Beautiful Strawberry Swirl: Sweet strawberry preserves are swirled into the cheesecake for pops of fruity flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Parties and Summer Gatherings: Easy to slice into bars and serve for BBQs, birthdays, or holiday weekends.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can chill in the fridge until you’re ready to impress your guests.
Tips for Making No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars:
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that’s easy to mix.
Pulse the Nilla Wafers Finely: A finely ground crust holds together better and creates a sturdy base for the bars.
Chill the Crust Before Adding the Filling: This helps set the butter in the crust and keeps it from crumbling when slicing.
Gently Swirl the Strawberry Preserves: Use a spoon or skewer to create pretty ribbons without overmixing into the cheesecake layer.
Press the Strawberry Crunch Topping Lightly: Press it just enough so it sticks to the cheesecake but still keeps its crumbly texture.
Chill for at Least 8 Hours or Overnight: This gives the cheesecake time to set fully for clean slices.
Wipe Your Knife Between Cuts: For neat, bakery-style squares, clean the knife after each slice.
How to Store No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars:
Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled until ready to serve to maintain the creamy texture and crunchy topping.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. For the best texture, avoid thawing at room temperature as the topping may soften too much.
Serving Tip: If the strawberry crunch topping softens slightly in the fridge, sprinkle a little extra fresh crunch mixture over the top before serving for added texture.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! These bars are perfect for making in advance. Prepare them up to 2 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: How long do no-bake cheesecake bars need to chill?
A: For the best texture, chill the bars for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow the cheesecake layer to set fully.
Q: Can I freeze strawberry shortcake cheesecake bars?
A: Absolutely. Freeze the bars on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of Nilla Wafers for the crust?
A: If you don’t have Nilla Wafers, graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or golden Oreos make excellent substitutes.
Q: Will the strawberry crunch topping stay crispy?
A: The topping stays crisp for the first 2-3 days if stored properly. If it softens slightly in the fridge, sprinkle a little fresh crunch topping before serving for extra texture.
Q: Can I use homemade strawberry preserves?
A: Yes! Homemade strawberry preserves or jam work beautifully and add an even fresher flavor to the cheesecake swirl.
Check out my other cheesecake recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these no-bake strawberry shortcake cheesecake bars. Enjoy!
