Description
A silky, tangy, and rich no-bake dessert that uses frozen strawberries and requires zero baking. It’s a make-ahead friendly treat that looks impressive but takes only 15 minutes of active work.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz (340g) frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (75g) frozen strawberries (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons water or lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine. Mix with melted butter and sugar until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place in the freezer.
- Blend thawed strawberries until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- In a large bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Divide the cream cheese mixture in half. Stir ½ cup of strawberry puree into one half.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into both halves of the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the plain cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust. Dollop the strawberry-swirled mixture on top.
- Swirl the mixtures together with a knife or skewer for a marbled effect.
- Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firm.
- Blend remaining strawberries with water or lemon juice for the glaze.
- Lift bars out of the pan, drizzle with glaze, and cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Straining the strawberry puree is recommended for a smooth texture. Keep heavy cream and bowls cold for best whipping results. For clean cuts, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake dessert, frozen cheesecake, strawberry bars, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, summer dessert, gluten-free option