If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a sweet hug in every bite, let me introduce you to the delightful world of Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars. This treat combines a buttery cookie crust, luscious cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and a shimmering strawberry glaze, all coming together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. The beauty of Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars lies not only in their irresistible taste but also in how effortlessly they come together, giving you a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and that gorgeous pink hue. From the crisp, buttery cookie crust to the sweet-tart strawberry layer and the silky cream cheese filling, every element is essential.

Golden Oreos (40): These provide a crisp and buttery base, with the classic creamy filling adding richness.

Butter, melted (1/2 cup): It binds the crushed cookies into a firm yet tender crust.
Water (1/2 cup): Essential for dissolving the gelatin and creating the strawberry glaze.

Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Adds thickness and body to the strawberry glaze, preventing it from being runny.
Sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the glaze and balances the tartness of the strawberries.

Strawberry gelatin (small box): Adds that vibrant pink color and iconic strawberry flavor.
Sliced strawberries (2 cups): Fresh fruit that brings juiciness and natural sweetness atop the cream layer.
Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Creates a rich, creamy filling with a slight tang that perfectly complements the fruit.

Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream filling without gritty texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor profile with warm, fragrant notes.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Whipped to light peaks to provide airiness and smooth texture to the cream layer.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

This is where the magic begins. Crush your Golden Oreos finely while keeping that creamy filling intact because it adds flavor and moisture. Mix those cookie crumbs with the melted butter until everything holds together, then press firmly into your parchment-lined pan. Cooling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is key to getting a crust that stays crisp beneath the luscious layers.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Glaze

In a saucepan, whisk together water, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat until it thickens slightly. Adding the strawberry gelatin here infuses the glaze with that signature flavor and radiant color. Let it cool to just before it sets so it will cascade beautifully over the fruit layer without becoming jelly-like too soon.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Beat the cold heavy cream until soft peaks appear for that perfect airy texture. Then, in another bowl, smooth out the softened cream cheese, blend in powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth, and gently fold in the whipped cream. This combination feels indulgently creamy without being heavy, creating a dreamy layer that melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Assemble the Magic Bars

Spread the cream mixture evenly over the chilled crust, creating a soft canvas for the sliced strawberries. Arrange the fruit beautifully over the cream, then gently pour the cooled strawberry glaze on top. Chill your masterpiece for at least an hour so the components set and the flavors meld. When you finally slice into these Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars, you’ll have gorgeous, vibrant bars that are as delightful to look at as they are to taste.

How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars

Garnishes

To elevate these bars even further, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream on the side complements the creamy filling and fresh strawberries perfectly.

Side Dishes

These bars are sweet enough to stand proudly on their own, but if you want to serve them alongside something else, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh berry salad can balance the richness with fresh, fruity brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars in elegant glass jars or alongside a fresh strawberry and mint sprig on a dessert platter for a beautiful presentation. They also make fantastic bite-sized treats when cut into smaller squares for parties and get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making them perfect for planning desserts in advance.

Freezing

While freezing can slightly change the texture of the cream layer, you can freeze the bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, thaw frozen bars slowly and serve cold to preserve the creaminess and fresh strawberry flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Golden Oreos for another cookie?

Absolutely! You can use graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or your favorite buttery cookie. Just ensure the cookies are finely crushed and can bind well with the melted butter to form a solid crust.

Do I need a food processor to crush the cookies?

Not at all! A food processor makes it easier, but placing the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin works perfectly fine. Just aim for finely crushed crumbs.

What if I don’t have strawberry gelatin?

If strawberry gelatin isn’t available, you can try raspberry or cherry gelatin, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly. Alternatively, a homemade strawberry glaze could offer a fresh twist, though that’s a different recipe altogether.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, but if you must use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture which can make the bars soggy.

Is there a way to make these bars vegan?

While the classic recipe is dairy-based, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free butter substitutes. Gelatin would need to be replaced with a vegan-friendly thickener like agar agar.

Final Thoughts

Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars truly feel like a gift you give to yourself and others – easy to make, stunning to serve, and utterly delicious to devour. Whether for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little magic in your day, these bars will quickly become a cherished favorite. Don’t wait to whip up your own batch and bask in the joy of each luscious, creamy, fruity bite!

Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Strawberries and Cream Magic Bars are a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy Golden Oreo crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, fresh strawberry slices, and a glossy strawberry gelatin glaze. This layered treat combines sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors in a simple yet elegant bar perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side. Lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
Make the Crust: Using a food processor, finely crush the Golden Oreos without removing the cream filling. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a plastic zip-top bag, remove excess air, seal, and crush with a rolling pin until finely crushed. In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs and melted butter with a fork until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Strawberry Layer: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch over medium-high heat. Whisk constantly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add the strawberry gelatin powder and whisk until thoroughly dissolved. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes, taking care that it doesn’t set.
Prepare the Cream Layer: Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy cream until still peaks form; then set aside. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until creamy and fully combined. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain its light texture.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream layer. Pour the cooled strawberry gelatin glaze carefully over the strawberries to cover the top layer.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set. To serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, place on a cutting board, slice into bars, and enjoy your strawberries and cream magic bars!

Notes

The Golden Oreos crust can be substituted with graham crackers for a different flavor.
Ensure the gelatin mixture is cooled but still pourable before adding to avoid melting the cream layer.

For firmer bars, chill overnight instead of just 1 hour.
These bars are best served chilled and kept refrigerated to maintain texture.
Use fresh and ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 1/16 of recipe)

Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 150 mg

Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 1 g

Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: strawberries and cream, magic bars, no bake dessert, Golden Oreo crust, strawberry gelatin, layered dessert, cream cheese bars