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strawberry-filled lemon cream cheese bars

(2 RATINGS)
202 Pinches 13 Photos
pmyodb1 avatar
Atlanta, GA
Updated on Feb 24, 2025

These bars are like biting into a little bit of heaven on Earth.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Try these strawberry-filled lemon cream cheese bars the next time you need an easy dessert. They taste like a creamy strawberry-filled shortcake cookie. Boxed lemon cake mix is the base of the cookie. It's mixed with chopped almonds to add a nutty crunch. A layer of heated strawberry preserves is spread over the crust and topped with a tangy and citrusy cheesecake filling-like layer. Swap the margarita mix with lemonade concentrate if you want more lemon flavor.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 30 Min
cook time 2 Hr 15 Min
method Bake
yield 32 bars

Ingredients

  • BASE
  • 1 package lemon cake mix
  • 1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
  • 1 cup strawberry preserves or jelly
  • FILLING
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup frozen concentrated margarita mix, thawed

How To Make strawberry-filled lemon cream cheese bars

  • With a pastry blender or fork, cut in butter into cake mix until crumbly.
    Step 1
    Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13x9 inch pan. Place cake mix in a large bowl. With a pastry blender or fork, cut in butter or margarine until crumbly.
  • Add almonds; mix well. Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping.
    Step 2
    Add almonds; mix well. Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping.
  • Press the remaining mixture into a baking dish.
    Step 3
    Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the greased pan.
  • Stir preserves until smooth.
    Step 4
    Stir preserves until smooth.
  • Carefully spread over the base.
    Step 5
    Carefully spread over the base.
  • Combine cream cheese, sugar, flour, salt, and egg.
    Step 6
    In the same bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, flour, salt, and egg.
  • Beat until well blended.
    Step 7
    Beat until well blended.
  • Add margarita mix.
    Step 8
    Add margarita mix; beat at low speed until blended.
  • Carefully pour the filling over the base.
    Step 9
    Carefully pour the filling over the base.
  • Sprinkle the reserved base mixture over the filling and bake.
    Step 10
    Sprinkle the reserved base mixture over the filling. Bake at 350 F for 35 to 45 minutes or until edges begin to brown and the center is set.
  • Cool for 1 hour or until completely cooled.
    Step 11
    Cool for 1 hour or until completely cooled. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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