Homemade Strawberries and Cream Bars: Your Perfect Summer Dessert Recipe

Prepare to be enchanted by these delightful Strawberries and Cream Bars – a truly irresistible dessert that marries a soft, buttery cookie-like base with a luscious cream cheese filling, bursting with fresh strawberries, all crowned with a delicate, creamy glaze. Often hailed as the best fruit dessert bars ever, they are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

These bars are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender crust, followed by a cool, tangy cream cheese layer, and then the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries. The final touch of a smooth vanilla glaze adds a touch of elegance, making these bars perfect for any occasion, from casual summer gatherings to festive holiday potlucks, and even as a charming Valentine’s Day dessert. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, right alongside other beloved strawberry delights like Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies and Strawberry Banana Bread.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry and Cream Bars Recipe

I’ve baked countless batches of these strawberry bars over the years, even experimenting with delicious variations like Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars. This particular recipe is designed to produce a full cookie sheet-sized batch, making it an absolute winner for parties, picnics, and potlucks where you need to feed a crowd. The combination of textures and flavors is simply unmatched: a rich, tender sugar cookie-like base, a velvety smooth cream cheese filling, a generous layer of fresh, sweet strawberries, and a final drizzle of vanilla icing that ties it all together.

These bars are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile and visually appealing. The vibrant red of the strawberries peeking through the creamy layers makes them an instant showstopper. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dessert, a vibrant treat for a special occasion, or simply a delightful way to use up an abundance of fresh strawberries, these bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re easy enough for a beginner baker yet impressive enough for seasoned dessert enthusiasts.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry and Cream Bars

Creating these sensational strawberry and cream bars relies on a few core ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, with the full list and exact measurements provided in the printable recipe card below.

• Salted Butter: Essential for a rich, tender crust. Using softened butter is key for achieving a light and fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.
• Granulated White Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, balancing the tartness of the cream cheese and strawberries.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binder, providing structure and moisture to both the cookie crust and the creamy filling.
• Vanilla Extract: A staple in most baked goods, vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the main structure of our delicious cookie base.
• Fresh, Chopped Strawberries: The star of the show! Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Chopping them helps distribute their juiciness evenly throughout the filling.
• Cream Cheese: The foundation of our signature creamy filling. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free texture.
• Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: This is a secret ingredient for an extra creamy, less “jelly-like” filling. It adds a lovely tang and smooth consistency.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor and adds a zesty contrast to the sweet filling. Lemon zest is also a fantastic addition to the glaze for an extra pop.
• Powdered Sugar: The base for our smooth, drizzly glaze, dissolving easily for a silky finish.
• Milk: Used to thin the powdered sugar into a perfect pourable glaze. Whole milk works best for richness.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Irresistible Strawberry and Cream Bars

Making these delightful bars is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly baked, incredibly delicious results every time. Remember to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a standard cookie sheet with baking spray before you begin.

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by washing and chopping your fresh strawberries. Place them in a bowl with fresh lemon juice and a couple of tablespoons of granulated sugar. Gently toss and set aside. This crucial step allows the strawberries to macerate, releasing their natural juices and intensifying their flavor, which is then beautifully incorporated into the filling. You can even do this a few hours ahead and refrigerate them.
2. Craft the Cookie Dough Base: In a stand mixer, cream together the softened salted butter and white granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Incorporate the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Next, gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Assemble the Crust: Before pressing the dough into your prepared pan, make sure to reserve a heaping cup of this delicious cookie dough. This reserved portion will be crumbled over the top of the bars before baking, creating a wonderful texture. With a lightly floured rolling pin or your hands, carefully press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared cookie sheet. If you accidentally roll all the dough into the pan, simply remove about a cup and gently thin out the remaining crust – no harm done!
4. Prepare the Creamy Filling: In a separate, clean bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and half a cup of sugar until completely smooth and lump-free. The Greek yogurt or sour cream is my secret for a filling that is incredibly creamy and less dense or jelly-like. Add the remaining eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract. Pour this luxurious cream cheese mixture evenly over your prepared cookie crust.
5. Layer the Strawberries and Topping: Once the strawberries have had time to release their juices, gently sprinkle them evenly over the cream cheese filling. Distribute them without mixing them into the cream. Finally, take your reserved cup of cookie dough and crumble it into flattened pieces over the strawberry layer. This creates a beautiful top crust and makes for cleaner slices once baked.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place your assembled bars in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the center is set with a slight jiggle. The internal temperature of the cream cheese filling should reach around 165°F (74°C).
7. Create the Creamy Glaze: While the bars are cooling, prepare the simple vanilla icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice for a tangier glaze), and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. For a professional touch, pour the icing into a small plastic ziplock bag and snip a tiny corner. Once the bars have cooled for 15-20 minutes, drizzle the glaze in an “X” shape across the bars, creating a lovely lattice pattern. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving. These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry and Cream Bars

These bars are phenomenal on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, consider these serving ideas:

• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: A cloud of fresh whipped cream adds extra indulgence and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream is a classic pairing that never disappoints.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: Cut into smaller squares, these bars make a colorful and delicious addition to any dessert spread for parties and gatherings.
• With a Sprinkle of Mint: A few fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing aromatic touch and a pop of green color.

I kid not when I say that my son, often referred to as “the Mancub,” has eaten his weight in these bars over the years. They’re one of his absolute favorite desserts, and I’m sure they’ll become a cherished treat for your loved ones too!

Delicious Variations for Your Dessert Bars

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize these delicious fruit dessert bars. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Try Different Fruits: While strawberries are divine, these bars are fantastic with other fruits too. Our favorites include fresh raspberries, blueberries, sliced peaches, and pitted cherries. Adjust the sugar content slightly depending on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.
• Citrus Zest and Juice: Experiment with different fresh citrus juices in the cream cheese filling and/or the glaze. I love to use lime or orange juice for a different zesty twist. Lemon zest in the crust or glaze also adds a wonderful aromatic lift.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, or pecans over the top before baking. So delicious!
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the glaze once it has set can add an extra decadent touch.

Can You Freeze Strawberries and Cream Bars?

Yes, you absolutely can freeze these bars, but be aware that due to the dairy content, the consistency might change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze them, here’s how to do it best: After the bars have completely cooled and the glaze has set, slice them into individual portions. Transfer the slices to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Freezing is a great way to make these bars ahead of time for future enjoyment.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your strawberries and cream bars at their best, store them covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer freshness, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate them in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Please note that storing them in the fridge can sometimes dry out the cookie crust slightly, so bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cream Bars

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making these irresistible bars:

• Can I use frozen strawberries? While fresh strawberries are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor and texture, you can use frozen. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before combining them with lemon juice and sugar. You might also want to reduce the lemon juice slightly to account for any residual moisture.
• How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and the center of the cream cheese filling is mostly set with a slight jiggle. An inserted toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking can lead to a dry crust.
• Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake them a day in advance and store them at room temperature (or refrigerated, see storage tips) until you’re ready to serve. This makes them perfect for parties and potlucks.
• My cream cheese filling is lumpy. What went wrong? Lumpy filling usually means your cream cheese wasn’t soft enough or wasn’t beaten sufficiently. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and beat it thoroughly by itself before adding other ingredients to get a smooth base.
• Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe? You can try to slightly reduce the sugar in the crust or the filling, but be cautious. Sugar contributes to both sweetness and texture. Reducing it too much might affect the structure and overall balance of flavors, especially with the tartness of the cream cheese and strawberries.

Don’t forget to share the love and Pin or share this recipe on your favorite social media if you enjoyed making and eating these amazing strawberries and cream dessert bars!

📝 Printable Recipe