Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars that combine a crunchy graham cracker crust with luscious layers of cream cheese, fresh strawberries, white chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. Perfectly chilled and beautifully decorated, these bars make an irresistible no-bake dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs (plus additional for topping)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Filling and Topping
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries (divided: 4 mashed for cream cheese layer, 5 whole for decoration, plus sliced strawberries)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3.4 ounces white chocolate pudding mix
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or Stabilized Whipped Cream (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Set aside 5 whole strawberries for decoration. Mash 4 strawberries for the cream cheese mixture and slice the remaining strawberries for layering.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Set Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place it into the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the crust to set firmly.
- Prepare Pudding: In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of milk with the white chocolate pudding mix. Use less milk than package instructions to create a firmer pudding. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, mashed strawberries, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and soft. Gently fold in 1 cup of the whipped cream or Cool Whip until well combined.
- Layer Strawberries: Remove the crust from the freezer and evenly cover it with a single layer of sliced strawberries.
- Spread Cream Cheese: Using an offset spatula, dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer and gently spread to cover completely.
- Add Pudding Layer: Spread the prepared white chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream or Cool Whip over the pudding layer to cover it completely.
- Decorate: Arrange the reserved whole and sliced strawberries on top and sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs for garnish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow all layers to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use 1 1/2 cups milk instead of 2 cups for the pudding to achieve a firmer consistency perfect for layering.
- Stabilized whipped cream can be used instead of Cool Whip for a fresher taste and texture.
- For best results, allow the crust to chill thoroughly before adding layers to prevent sogginess.
- These bars should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American