Sour Cherry Shortcake Dream Bars
These luscious Sour Cherry Shortcake Dream Bars combine the tartness of sour cherries, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a buttery shortcake crust into an irresistible dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Or gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar Can use sugar substitutes that measure 1:1.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- ½ cup cherry preserves or sour cherries, pitted Thawed frozen cherries can be used.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened Can substitute with vegan cream cheese.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream Can substitute with full-fat coconut milk or whipped coconut cream.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking pan.
Making the Base
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until edges are golden.
Making the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese, adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Assembling and Chilling
- Once the base has cooled, spread the cream mixture evenly over it.
- Layer cherry preserves or pitted cherries over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set.
Serving
- Remove the bars from the pan and slice into squares or rectangles.
- Enjoy chilled, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better blending. Avoid overmixing the dough to keep crust light and airy. For a twist, consider adding almond extract to the cream cheese layer or garnishing with fresh cherries before serving.