This strawberry dream dessert is just as amazing as its pineapple cousin and if you’re a fan of desserts with strawberries like I am you’ll definitely want to try it today!
Honestly, I thought I had hit the mother load of potluck desserts when I posted Pineapple Dream back in the summer of 2013. But this is one of those strawberry desserts you’ll want to have in your arsenal!
Strawberry Dream Dessert
I’ve always been big on strawberries. We even pick our own at the local strawberry farm! While strawberries are available all year you have to get them when they are in season if you want the plump, juicy, sweet ones.
Here in southeast Wisconsin strawberry season is early to mid-June. I’ve made quite a few strawberry desserts over the years. In fact this Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad is one of my favorites! But this strawberry dream is definitely at the top of my list!
I’ve always wanted to try different flavors with my pineapple dream dessert, and a strawberry version was definitely on that list. Then one day Amanda’s Cookin’ reader Jennifer LaRue left a comment saying she tried it with strawberries and it was a big hit.
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So I chatted with Jennifer to find out what changes she made and they were pretty minimal. Imagine my excitement when I found that out! So special thanks go out to Jennifer for testing this before I got to it, and giving me that little extra push to get it done.
How to make strawberry dream cream cheese dessert
First, some tips to help you make this easy recipe:
- You can use a food processor or a blender to crush up the graham crackers, but honestly, it’s just as easy to dump two sleeves of graham crackers into a gallon zipper plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- While you might be thinking about just chopping up the strawberries, a quick whirl in the food processor or blender breaks the strawberries up and gives you just the right amount of juice and all that amazing strawberry flavor.
- This recipe calls for a square baking pan. A metal or glass pan is fine, but since you’ll be serving this dessert in that same pan, a glass pan with a lid is a nicer choice!
- Let this dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours to allow everything to set up. If you have time, plan ahead and make it the day before to give is a chance to set up overnight.
- When garnishing the top with sliced strawberries you might want to hold off until an hour or so before serving. Even when covered, if the dish sits in the refrigerator overnight (as it should) the sliced strawberries could begin to look a little dried out.
- This strawberry dream dessert should be good in the refrigerator for up to four days. Though I highly doubt that you’ll be able to keep it around that long!
Ingredients you will need:
- 2 1/2 cups graham crumbs (2 sleeves)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for crust)
- 2 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz container Cool Whip
- 2 cups hulled and halved strawberries
Helpful kitchen tools:
When it comes to summertime desserts, this creamy, delicious strawberry dream dessert is a must try. I promise you, if you are a strawberry fan you will love it!
More Strawberry Ideas
- And speaking of strawberry lovers, try this Strawberry Icebox Cake which has been really popular lately, my favorite recipe for Strawberry Shortcake, and this classic Strawberry Jello Salad!
- My fresh strawberry muffins are over the top delicious and oh so pretty!
- Some other strawberry desserts I’ve had my eye on include this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll (oh my!), this beautiful Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake, and of course this stunning Strawberry Pie!
- It would be a crime not to mention my amazing strawberry shortcake as well.
- This Strawberry Lasagna is creamy, dreamy, and bursting with strawberry bliss.
- These strawberry shortcakes are a delicate dessert for spring and summer parties!
And I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about my Chocolate Lasagna dessert. It’s the second most popular dessert on this blog so you’ll definitely want to join the masses and try it out!
More Strawberry Recipes
- Strawberry Salsa
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Strawberry Shortcakes
- Strawberry Icebox Cake
- Strawberry Bundt Cake
- Strawberry Sweet Tea
- Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
Strawberry Dream Dessert
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate It Text ItIngredients
CRUST:
- 2 1/2 cup graham crumbs 2 sleeves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter for crust
FILLING:
- 2 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 8 oz Cool Whip 1 container
- 2 cup strawberries hulled and halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 F.
MAKE THE CRUST:
- Melt butter in the microwave and allow to cool. Combine the crumbs and butter and toss together until incorporated. Press 2 cups of the crumb mixture firmly into an 9×9 square pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool. Reserve remaining crumbs for topping.
MAKE THE FILLING:
- Place strawberries in a blender or food processor and pulse a few times just to break them into chunks.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Turn the mixer down to low and add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until incorporated. Turn up and beat well for a minute or so. Add a heaping tablespoon of the strawberry chunks and stir in with a rubber spatula. Spread the cream cheese and strawberry mixture over the crust.
- Fold the remaining strawberry chunks into the Cool Whip and spread on top of the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle graham cracker crumb mixture on top (you may not use it all).
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on this blog on Jun 22, 2017.
Amanda Davis
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Mehjabeen says
Hi i usually make my cheesecake in springform pan, can i use my springform pan
Lori Gentile says
can i make this a day ahead?
Amanda Davis says
YES
Sue says
Can I use fresh frozen strawberries?
Amanda Davis says
We suggest fresh, however, if you want to use frozen be sure to thaw them out on paper towels. This will allow the excess liquid to drain off.
Debbie Bartek says
How can I make this into a 9” by 12” pan?
Amanda Formaro says
You can double the recipe
Seppie says
Stellar
sue rosenthal says
Why must the graham crust be baked in oven? Basic crust used for many desserts and notbrequired.
Amanda Formaro says
It’s not necessary to bake the crust, simply refrigerate it a bit to harden the butter.
Jennifer says
5* and a new family favorite,
Joyce Smith says
I have made this twice and family enjoyed but the Graham crackers stick to the glass dish. Do you use Pam spray or parchment? I tried to cut some pieces for neighbor to share but it didn’t work out
Amanda Formaro says
Sounds like the crust was pressed down too hard. You want to press it firmly, but gently. Don’t pack it in there :)
Mehjabeen says
Hi this is a strawberry cheesecake?
Amanda Formaro says
It’s similar to a cheesecake
Angie says
Hi. Can you tell me what this means?
“This recipe calls for a square baking pan. A metal or glass pan is fine, but since you’ll be serving this dessert in that same pan, a blender is a nicer choice!”
A blender?
Thank you.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much for pointing that out. It should have said “glass pan with a lid” instead of blender.