These Strawberries & Cream Bars combine the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich creaminess of a smooth, decadent filling. The soft, buttery crust adds a perfect texture contrast, making every bite an irresistible experience. It’s the perfect dessert for spring and summer, offering a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
This dessert is easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd. With simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can have these strawberry bars ready in no time. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a BBQ, or a potluck, these bars are sure to stand out as a delicious and visually stunning treat. The addition of powdered sugar adds the final touch of elegance.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon baking powder
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1 large egg
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2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup sugar (for the cream cheese layer)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix until a dough forms.
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Press the dough into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
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For the cream cheese layer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
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Layer the diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
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Bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the strawberries are soft.
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Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Introduction to Strawberries & Cream Bars
When it comes to delightful desserts that capture the essence of summer, few treats can beat the charm of Strawberries & Cream Bars. This dessert combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich and creamy texture of a smooth filling, all sitting atop a buttery, golden crust. It’s a dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes, making it a perfect choice for a variety of occasions—from family gatherings and picnics to elegant dinner parties. These bars are not only visually stunning, but they also offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that will leave anyone who tries them coming back for more.
The best part? This dessert is incredibly easy to prepare, and it can be made in advance, which makes it a great choice for those who want to impress their guests without the stress of last-minute baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, Strawberries & Cream Bars are sure to become a favorite go-to recipe in your dessert repertoire.
A Perfect Combination of Flavors and Textures
Strawberries & Cream Bars are the epitome of a perfectly balanced dessert. The creamy filling brings a luscious, velvety texture that complements the fresh, juicy strawberries. The crust, which is buttery and slightly crisp, provides the ideal base for this indulgent treat. When you bite into a piece, you experience a wonderful contrast between the richness of the cream cheese filling and the light, fruity sweetness of the strawberries. Each bite is a harmonious blend of smooth, creamy, and refreshing flavors that dance on your palate.
One of the standout features of this dessert is its ability to showcase the bright, natural sweetness of strawberries without overwhelming them with too much sugar or unnecessary ingredients. The simplicity of the recipe allows the strawberries to shine, making it a perfect dessert for those who appreciate fresh, seasonal fruits.
Why Strawberries & Cream Bars Are the Perfect Dessert Choice
There’s no shortage of reasons why Strawberries & Cream Bars make an excellent dessert choice for any occasion. First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile. This recipe works wonderfully for a variety of events—be it a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or even a cozy family dinner. Their visually appealing layers make them stand out on any dessert table, and they’re guaranteed to spark conversation.
These bars are also ideal for anyone who is looking for a dessert that isn’t overly heavy. Unlike some decadent cakes or pies, Strawberries & Cream Bars strike the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness. The combination of fresh fruit and a creamy filling provides just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or serving a smaller group, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s sweet cravings.
Another great aspect of this dessert is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, even beginner bakers can create something that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen. There’s no need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques—just mix the ingredients, bake, and let the magic happen. Plus, the bars can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, making them a convenient dessert option for busy hosts.
Creative Variations on Strawberries & Cream Bars
While the classic version of Strawberries & Cream Bars is already delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on the recipe and experiment with new flavors and textures. For example, you can easily swap out strawberries for other fruits that are in season. Try using raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries for a berry medley that adds color and variety to your dessert. The cream cheese filling also works well with other flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, to enhance the overall flavor profile.
If you prefer a more decadent version of this dessert, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top. The chocolate will pair beautifully with the creamy filling and strawberries, creating a more indulgent treat. You can also experiment with the crust by adding crushed nuts or using a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
For those who have dietary restrictions, this dessert can be easily modified. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or rice flour. You can also make it dairy-free by using plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy butter. These simple adjustments ensure that everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert, no matter their dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberries & Cream Bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They’re perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of sides or accompaniments to enhance the overall experience. For a refreshing twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a side of fresh fruit, such as more strawberries or a mix of seasonal berries, to complement the flavors in the bars.
These bars are also an excellent addition to a dessert platter for a gathering or potluck. Their individual size makes them easy to serve, and their pretty appearance will make them the star of the show. If you’re looking for a fun way to present them, consider cutting the bars into heart shapes for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, or use cookie cutters to create fun, festive shapes for a birthday party or holiday event.
Why You Should Make Strawberries & Cream Bars
If you’re still not convinced, let’s talk about the ultimate reason to make Strawberries & Cream Bars: they are simply delicious. This dessert strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and lightness, sweetness and freshness, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s a recipe that appeals to both children and adults, and the flavors are timeless—no one can resist the combination of strawberries and cream.
Moreover, the ease of preparation and the versatility of the recipe make it a fantastic choice for busy bakers. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone who’s just starting to explore the world of desserts, these bars will have you feeling like a pro in no time. And because they can be made ahead of time, you’ll save yourself the hassle of last-minute prep, allowing you to enjoy the event as much as your guests do.
Conclusion
Strawberries & Cream Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They combine the best of both worlds: a deliciously creamy filling paired with the fresh, sweet taste of strawberries, all sitting atop a buttery crust. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a picnic, or a special event, these bars are sure to impress. Their versatility allows for plenty of creative variations, and they can easily be modified to suit dietary preferences. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare, making them a stress-free yet stunning dessert option.
In a world full of complex and time-consuming recipes, Strawberries & Cream Bars stand out as a simple, delicious, and universally loved treat. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this dessert is a must-try and is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.