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.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 40 Golden Oreos
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Strawberry Layer
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 small box (4 – ½ cup servings size) strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
Cream Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
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
