Strawberry Bars with Cream Cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10 inch sheet pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the 200g softened butter and 100g sugar until smooth. Stir in the 250g flour and 1.5g salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the edges are just barely golden.
4. While the crust is baking, toss the 450g diced strawberries with 50g sugar, 16g cornstarch, 15ml lemon juice, and 2.5ml vanilla in a bowl.
5. Once the crust is out of the oven, pour the strawberry mixture directly over the hot base, spreading it into an even layer.
6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes until the berries are bubbly and the juices have thickened into a glossy glaze.
7. Allow the strawberry layer to cool completely in the pan.
8. Beat the 225g cream cheese and 55g butter together until velvety. Gradually add 240g powdered sugar and 5ml vanilla, whipping until fluffy.
9. Spread the frosting over the cooled strawberry layer and slice into 15 bars.