Strawberry Cream Pie Bars -

Strawberry Cream Pie Bars

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Strawberry Dreams Cream Pie Bars, the perfect summer dessert that combines juicy strawberries, a creamy filling, and a crunchy graham cracker crust. This visually appealing treat is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, evoking the carefree spirit of summer. With fresh ingredients and simple preparation, these bars are ideal for summer gatherings, bringing joy and sweetness to every celebration. Discover the recipe and make lasting memories with each delicious bite!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

A pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).

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

- Transfer the crumb mixture to a 9x9-inch (or similarly sized) baking dish and firmly press it into the bottom using the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Layer:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir gently, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while occasionally stirring.

- Continue to cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until the strawberries soften and their juices are released, causing the mixture to thicken slightly. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the Cream Layer:

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

- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.

- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Assemble the Pie Bars:

- Evenly spread the cooled strawberry layer over the completely cooled graham cracker crust.

- Gently layer the cream mixture over the strawberries, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.

- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until the cream layer is set.

Serve:

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

- For presentation, garnish each bar with halved fresh strawberries and a drizzle of whipped cream, if desired. A fresh mint leaf can be added on top for a charming finish.

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