Strawberry Cream Pie Bars -

When it comes to satisfying sweet cravings, few desserts can rival the delightful Strawberry Dreams Cream Pie Bars. This delectable treat combines the best of both worlds: the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries and a luxurious, creamy filling that melts in your mouth. Perfectly layered atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, these bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Strawberry Cream Pie Bars

Indulge in the sweet summer delight of Strawberry Dreams Cream Pie Bars, a perfect dessert that combines the freshness of strawberries with a creamy filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Easy to prepare in under an hour, these bars are ideal for any occasion, from picnics to parties. Each bite offers a heavenly blend of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for more. Enjoy the vibrant colors and refreshing taste of this seasonal treat!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Topping:

Fresh strawberries, halved, for garnish

Whipped cream, for drizzling (optional)

Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch (or similar size) baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it down evenly.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.

Make the Strawberry Layer:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the Cream Layer:

- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully integrated and smooth.

Assemble the Pie Bars:

- Spread the cooled strawberry mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.

- Carefully layer the cream mixture over the strawberries, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

- Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4-6 hours, or until set.

Serve:

- Once fully set, slice the bars into squares or rectangles.

- Garnish each bar with halved fresh strawberries and a drizzle of whipped cream, if desired. Add a mint leaf on top for an extra touch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours | Servings: 12 bars