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Spring Strawberry Dessert

Delightful Spring Strawberry Dessert with a Vanilla Twist

This Easy Spring Strawberry Dessert is a delightful no-bake treat that showcases the vibrant flavors of strawberries, perfect for any spring gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Substitute with salted butter if needed
  • 2 1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs Try vanilla wafers or spiced crackers for a twist
For the Filling
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese Softened, ensure it is at room temperature
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Sifted, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste Use pure vanilla extract as a substitute
  • Pinch Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
For the Topping
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip Can swap with stabilized homemade whipped cream
  • 2 cups Fresh Strawberries Hulled and halved, use bright red strawberries
Optional Garnish
  • Sliced Strawberries Use as a beautiful finishing touch
  • Reserved Graham Cracker Crumbs Sprinkle over the top for added crunch

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • 9x9 inch Square Pan
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter until you have a sandy texture. Press this mixture firmly into a 9x9 inch square pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
  2. Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then chop them into small chunks. Pat dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture. Optionally, lightly sprinkle with cornstarch or sugar and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, and mix until fully incorporated. Blend in vanilla bean paste and pinch of salt, then gently fold in Cool Whip until light and fluffy.
  4. Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Scatter the prepared strawberry chunks over it and top with an additional layer of Cool Whip.
  5. Sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs on top, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure both butter and cream cheese are softened for a smooth filling. Hand chop strawberries to preserve texture. Refrigerate properly to prevent a runny filling and allow flavors to develop.

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