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Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars Recipe


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4.1 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings

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

  1. Prepare Strawberries: Set aside 5 whole strawberries for decoration. Mash 4 strawberries for the cream cheese mixture and slice the remaining strawberries for layering.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Make Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Layer Strawberries: Remove the crust from the freezer and evenly cover it with a single layer of sliced strawberries.
  8. Spread Cream Cheese: Using an offset spatula, dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer and gently spread to cover completely.
  9. Add Pudding Layer: Spread the prepared white chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  10. Top with Whipped Cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream or Cool Whip over the pudding layer to cover it completely.
  11. Decorate: Arrange the reserved whole and sliced strawberries on top and sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs for garnish.
  12. 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