Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. A buttery cake base pairs beautifully with a rich cream cheese layer and fruity strawberry topping. This easy dessert comes together quickly with simple ingredients and a cake mix shortcut. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or an indulgent treat at home. Enjoy them warm or chilled for a delicious bite every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box yellow or white cake mix
1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cake mix with melted butter until fully combined.
Press half of the cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base layer in the pan.
Spoon the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out gently.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter over the strawberry layer. Gaps are fine, as they create a nice texture after baking.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool before slicing into squares and serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Variations
Mixed Berry Version: Swap out the strawberry pie filling for a mixed berry blend.
Chocolate Twist: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow or white for a richer flavor.
Lemon Strawberry Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright citrus note.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for added texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but they can be warmed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
FAQs
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the cake portions should come out clean.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but I recommend cooking them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a jam-like consistency before layering them in the bars.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Let them cool completely before slicing with a sharp knife. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep the layers neat.
Can I use a homemade cake mix?
Absolutely! A simple mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter can replace the store-bought version.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, they should be stored in the fridge.
Conclusion
Strawberry cream cheese cake bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert with a delicious combination of flavors. Whether served warm or chilled, these bars make a fantastic treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite.
Recipe:
Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these strawberry cream cheese cake bars, featuring a buttery cake base, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a sweet strawberry topping. This easy dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or an anytime treat. With a shortcut cake mix and simple ingredients, these bars come together quickly and taste absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
1 box yellow or white cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cake mix and melted butter until combined.
- Press half of the cake mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake base.
- Evenly spoon the strawberry pie filling on top.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter over the strawberry layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a clean cut, let bars cool completely before slicing.
Variations: Swap strawberry filling for mixed berries or add lemon zest for a citrus twist.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal
