Strawberry Crunch Dessert Bars – A Delicious Summer Dessert Recipe!

If you are you looking for a refreshing summertime dessert that’s easy to make you are going to love these Strawberry Crunch Dessert Bars! They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings and will have your friends and family raving.

These delightful bars transport you back to your childhood memories when Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars were all the rage. However instead of ice cream this dessert is made with layers of creamy cheesecake filling, strawberry pie filling, and a crunchy golden Oreo crust.

Then whipped cream and strawberry crunch topping adds a that classic layer that we all came to love. This easy summertime dessert is one that is sure to please both the kids and adults.

The memories of music playing from the ice cream truck, the anticipation of a sweet treat, and the taste of that creamy, fruity goodness are all embodied in this dessert. With every bite, you’ll be transported back to those warm, carefree summer days of your youth.

Best of all, this recipe is a breeze to make and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. They’re perfect for bringing to picnics, potlucks, or summer time holiday events.

Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also a great way to spend quality time in the kitchen with your family. This recipe is so easy that even the kids can get involved in making the layers.

Shopping List

To make this dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Golden Oreos: Both the crust and the crunch topping is made with Golden Oreos. You can find the popular yellow packages next to the classic chocolate Oreos. Although if you prefer you can use any vanilla creme filled cookie.

However, be sure to buy the family pack. You may not use them all, but they sure are good for a quick sweet treat whenever you need one!

Butter: Butter is used to hold the cookie crust together. I prefer to use unsalted butter, however you can also use salted butter. The salt actually enhances the sweetness of the Strawberry Crunch Dessert Bars.

Cream Cheese: You will need 1 1/2 blocks of cream cheese. You can use regular, reduced fat or fat free. Just be sure you leave enough time to let it sit out at room temperature for easier mixing.

Granulated Sugar: Sugar is added to sweeten the creamy filling.

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This will help thicken the filling and the topping and provide a hint of vanilla flavor. You will need a 3.4 ounce box of INSTANT (not cook) pudding mix.

Vanilla Extract: To add even more vanilla flavor, pure vanilla extract is used.

Heavy Whipping Cream: You will need a total of 3 cups (24 ounces) of heavy whipping cream. This is essential for the topping and filling layers. You can not substitute half and half or regular milk for the heavy cream.

Strawberry Pie Filling: Use a canned variety or make your own if you prefer.

Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These can usually be found in the dried fruit section of your grocery store located in the snack aisle. If you can’t find them you can purchase them online.

Tips for Making Strawberry Crunch Dessert Bars

1. Use a food processor: Just like when making the crust for Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna, a food processor will make quick work of grinding the cookies. If you don’t have one, a blender or a plastic bag and rolling pin can be used as alternatives.
2. Room temperature cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help you achieve a smoother, more consistent filling.
3. Refrigerate or freeze between layers: To make sure each layer sets properly, refrigerate or freeze the dessert between adding layers. This will help the layers stay distinct and make it easier to slice and serve.
4. Crunchy topping: Remember to remove half of the Oreo topping before adding the freeze-dried strawberries to the food processor. You want to maintain some crunch in the topping to achieve the perfect texture.

How to Store

These Strawberry Crunch Dessert Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep in mind that the crust and topping may get softer as time goes on.

If you need to store the dessert for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap the dessert in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy it allow the dessert to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Strawberry Crunch Dessert Bars Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

• 40 Golden Oreos, crushed
• ½ cup butter melted

Filling:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• 21 ounce can strawberry pie filling

Whipped Cream:

• 1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 ½ tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 13 Golden Oreos
• 1/2 ounce freeze-dried strawberries – 1 cup

INSTRUCTIONS

Crust

1. Spray the bottom of a 9×13 inch glass pan with nonstick baking spray.
2. Add the Oreos and melted butter to a large food processor and pulse until the cookies are tiny crumbs.
3. Pour the Oreo crumbs in the prepared baking dish and press the crust firmly into the bottom of the pan.
4. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you make the next layer.

Filling

1. In a large bowl, add in the softened cream cheese. Beat with a mixer on medium until smooth. Then add in the granulated sugar and instant vanilla pudding mix. Beat until incorporated.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and slowly add the heavy whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Place spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the top of the chilled Oreo crust. Then spread into an even layer.
4. Place the dish in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. Then add spoonfuls of the strawberry pie filling on top of the cheesecake layer. Then spread into an even layer.
5. Place the dish back in the fridge or freezer to chill while preparing the whipped cream.

Whipped cream

1. Add the heavy whipping cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
2. Place spoonfuls of whipped cream on top of the chilled strawberry pie filling. Spread into an even layer. Place in the fridge or freezer while you prepare the topping.

Topping

1. Add the Oreos into the food processor and pulse until the cookies are small crumbs. You will want them a little larger than the crust so they are crunchy. Remove half of the crumbs and set aside.
2. Add in the dried strawberries and pulse until the strawberries turn to powder.
3. Combine the reserved crumbs with the strawberry powder and Oreo crumbs and mix until well blended.
4. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping on top of the chilled whipped cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and then store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

These Strawberry Crunch Dessert Bars are a delightful and nostalgic treat that will take you back to the joys of childhood summers. With their irresistible layers and delectable flavors, you’ll find yourself making this dessert to share with family and friends all summer long!

Enjoy! Mary

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