Creamy Strawberry Butter Bar Squares

Creamy Strawberry Butter Bar Squares feature a buttery crust topped with silky strawberry cream baked to perfection. Sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth, these bars are a dreamy dessert for any occasion.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 squares

Ingredients

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Pinch of salt 1 (8 oz / 226 g) block cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup strawberry preserves 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed 1 tbsp cornstarch 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional) Extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make Butter Crust: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add flour and salt, mix into soft dough.
Step 3: Bake Crust: Press dough into pan, bake 12–14 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Make Strawberry Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add preserves, freeze-dried strawberries, and cornstarch. Mix well.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake: Pour strawberry mixture over warm crust. Sprinkle white chocolate chips if desired. Bake 22–26 minutes until center is set.
Step 6: Cool and Chill: Let cool completely, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth texture. • Don’t overbake center should be just set. • Store covered in fridge up to 5 days. • Freeze (without topping) up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 225
Fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 8g
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 120mg
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g