Description
A delightful no-bake strawberry dream dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy strawberry-infused filling, and topped with fluffy Cool Whip and fresh strawberries. Perfectly chilled for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), melted and cooled
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (362g)
Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (330g), hulled and halved
- 4 ounces cream cheese (115g), softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (300g), sifted
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (1 container)
Topping
- Sliced strawberries (for garnish)
- Reserved graham cracker crumbs (from crust mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300°F to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make the Crust: Melt the butter in the microwave and let it cool. Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and mix until well incorporated. Press 2 cups of this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch square pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake the pressed crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Reserve the remaining crumb mixture for topping later.
- Prepare Strawberry Chunks: Place fresh strawberries into a blender or food processor and pulse a few times to break them into chunks without pureeing.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Increase speed and beat well for about one minute.
- Incorporate Strawberry Chunks: Stir in a heaping tablespoon of the strawberry chunks into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula, incorporating gently without over-mixing.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the cream cheese and strawberry mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust in the pan.
- Add Cool Whip Layer: Fold the remaining strawberry chunks into the Cool Whip gently and spread this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top and Garnish: Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the top layer. Optionally, garnish with sliced fresh strawberries for extra flavor and decoration.
- Chill Dessert: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set and allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor.
- If desired, substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream for a less processed option.
- Make sure the crust cools completely before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Use a food processor or blender to pulse strawberries without pureeing for a delightful texture.
- This dessert is best served well chilled to maintain structure and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
