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Strawberry Dream Dessert Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

Strawberry Dream Dessert is a luscious no-bake layered treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and Cool Whip. Finished with crunchy crumbs and fresh strawberry slices, this dessert is perfect for any occasion and requires minimal oven time with a refreshing chill to set.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), melted and cooled
  • 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (362g, about 2 sleeves)

Filling

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (330g), hulled and halved
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (115g), softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (300g), sifted
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip (1 container)

Toppings

  • Sliced strawberries (for garnish)
  • Reserved graham cracker crumbs (from crust mixture)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F to prepare for baking the crust.
  2. Make the Crust: Melt the butter in the microwave and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and cooled melted butter until well incorporated. Press about 2 cups of this mixture firmly but gently into the bottom of a 9×9 inch square pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Reserve the remaining crumbs to use as topping.
  3. Prepare Strawberry Chunks: Place the fresh strawberries into a blender or food processor and pulse a few times to just break them into chunky pieces; avoid pureeing them.
  4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until creamy and smooth. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until incorporated after each addition. Increase the mixer speed and beat well for about one minute to achieve a fluffy texture.
  5. Combine Strawberry Chunks with Filling: Add a heaping tablespoon of the chopped strawberry chunks into the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold them in with a rubber spatula to maintain texture.
  6. Assemble the First Layer: Spread the cream cheese and strawberry mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust in the pan.
  7. Prepare and Add the Topping Layer: Fold the remaining strawberry chunks into the container of Cool Whip until well mixed. Spread this creamy strawberry-Cool Whip layer evenly over the cream cheese filling.
  8. Add Final Garnishes: Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the top layer. Optionally, garnish with additional sliced strawberries for elegance and extra flavor.
  9. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
  • Do not over-blend strawberries; chunks provide texture in the filling and topping.
  • Press the crust firmly but gently to avoid it becoming too dense or crumbly.
  • Chilling overnight improves flavor and helps the dessert hold its shape when sliced.
  • Use fresh strawberries for the best taste, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well.
  • For a sweeter crust, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the graham cracker crumbs before mixing with butter.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/strawberry-dream-dessert-recipe/