Berry Cream Cheese Dessert Bars with Shortbread Crust
Layered dessert bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with smooth cream cheese filling and fresh berries in a lightly gelled topping. The combination of rich, tangy cream cheese and sweet-tart berries creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These bars are ideal for potlucks, summer gatherings, or when you want an impressive dessert that can be made ahead. The Danish dessert mix creates a glossy fruit layer that holds the berries beautifully while adding just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Mix flour, brown sugar, butter, and chopped nuts together in a mixing bowl
- 2
Pat mixture into a 9x13 pan like pie dough
- 3
Bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes
- 4
Cream together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer
- 5
Fold in whipped topping
- 6
Spread cream cheese mixture onto cooled crust
- 7
Bring water and danish dessert mix to a boil for one minute
- 8
Remove from heat and add berries
- 9
Spread berry mixture on top of cream cheese layer
- 10
Refrigerate until ready to eat
Tips
Let the crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture
Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting for clean slices
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
Can be made 1 day ahead, best served within 2 days
Cut into squares and serve chilled
Common Mistakes
Don't add cream cheese layer to hot crust or it will melt
Allow danish dessert mix to cool slightly before adding berries to prevent cooking them
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use fresh fruit instead of the danish dessert mix?
Yes, but the fruit layer won't have the same gelled consistency. You can sprinkle fresh berries on top of the cream cheese layer instead.
How long do these bars keep in the refrigerator?
These bars will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly over time.
Can I freeze these dessert bars?
These bars don't freeze well due to the cream cheese and whipped topping layers, which can separate when thawed.