Zesty Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars

Zesty Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars

These Zesty Strawberry Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful combination of sweet strawberry and tangy lemon flavors, layered in a rich cheesecake filling atop a soft cake base, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 box cake mix
• 1/4 cup fresh lemonade
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine a box of cake mix, fresh lemonade, and softened butter. Stir until a soft dough forms, then press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In another bowl, mix cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in one egg and blend well. Spread this cheesecake filling over the first layer of dough.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat strawberry preserves for about 30 seconds until they are easy to pour. Drop dollops of the warmed preserves onto the cheesecake layer and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
5. Take the remaining dough, flatten pieces in your hands, and sprinkle them over the cheesecake to create a crumbly topping.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Once finished, allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal chilling.
7. To add a finishing touch, mix confectioners' sugar with lemon juice in a small bowl and drizzle over the chilled bars. Optionally, add some fun toppings and let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before cutting into 24 delightful squares.