Strawberries & Cream Bars: A Refreshing & Indulgent Dessert

These Strawberries & Cream Bars are a perfect blend of fresh, natural sweetness from strawberries and the rich, velvety texture of a smooth, decadent filling. The soft, buttery crust provides a wonderful contrast, making every bite an irresistible experience. This refreshing yet indulgent dessert is a fantastic choice for spring and summer gatherings.

Easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd, these bars come together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. They are an ideal treat for family gatherings, barbecues, or potlucks, and their visually stunning layers, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, add a touch of elegance to any dessert table.

The Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup sugar (for the cream cheese layer)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix until a dough forms.

  3. Bake the crust: Press the dough into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

  4. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

  5. Add the fruit: Layer the diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.

  6. Bake the bars: Bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the strawberries are soft.

  7. Cool and set: Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

  8. Garnish: Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

Why These Bars Are the Perfect Dessert

Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

These bars are a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The creamy, luscious filling perfectly complements the sweet and juicy strawberries, while the buttery, slightly crisp crust provides a satisfying foundation. Each bite offers a wonderful contrast of rich creaminess and light, fruity sweetness.

Easy & Convenient

One of the best features of this dessert is its simplicity. With a handful of ingredients and a straightforward process, even beginner bakers can create a professional-looking and delicious treat. Additionally, these bars can be made in advance and refrigerated, making them an ideal, stress-free dessert option for busy hosts.

Versatility

These bars are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit any occasion.

  • Fruit Swaps: Easily substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a vibrant berry medley.

  • Flavor Additions: Experiment with adding a layer of chocolate ganache, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or different extracts like almond or lemon to the filling.

  • Dietary Adjustments: The recipe can be modified to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend, and dairy-free with plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy butter.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these bars can be elevated with simple additions.

  • Accompaniments: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

  • Presentation: Their individual size and beautiful layers make them perfect for dessert platters at gatherings. For a special touch, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes for holidays or birthdays.