Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Make Butter Crust: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add flour and salt, mix into soft dough.
Bake Crust: Press dough into pan, bake 12–14 minutes until lightly golden.
Make Strawberry Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add preserves, freeze-dried strawberries, and cornstarch. Mix well.
Assemble and Bake: Pour strawberry mixture over warm crust. Sprinkle white chocolate chips if desired. Bake 22–26 minutes until center is set.
Cool and Chill: Let cool completely, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
Garnish and Serve: Top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries before slicing and serving.
