Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars

• Vegetarian

• Produce

  • 16 oz Strawberries, fresh
  • 4 Strawberries, fresh

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/2 cup Confectioners' sugar
  • 1 Recipe of stabilized whipped cream

• Snacks

  • 1 1/3 cups Graham cracker crumbs

• Dairy

  • 5 tbsp Butter, unsalted
  • 4 oz Cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups Milk

• Desserts

  • 1 3.4-ounce package Strawberry creme pudding

Found on 365daysofbakingandmore.com

Description

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs, plus additional for topping
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 16-ounces fresh strawberries, divided
• (youll need 4 for the cream cheese layer and 5 whole for decoration)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 3.4-ounce package Strawberry Creme Pudding
• 4-ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 4 fresh strawberries, mashed
• 1 recipe of Stabilized Whipped Cream or 1 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip, divided

Directions

• Set 5 whole strawberries aside for decoration. Mash 4 of them for the cream cheese mixture and then slice the remaining strawberries.
• Prepare an 8 X 8 baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and mix until well incorporated.
• Press into the prepared baking dish, and place into the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes to set.
• In a small bowl mix the 1 1/2 cups milk with the package of strawberry pudding. DO NOT use the two cups as directed on the package. We want a firmer pudding. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Place the cream cheese, mashed strawberries and confectioners sugar into a mixing bowl. Cream until soft and well combined. Fold in 1 cup of the Stabilized Whipped Cream or Cool Whip and gently mix.
• Remove the crust from the freezer and completely cover with a single layer of strawberries.
• With an offset spatula, place dollops of the cream cheese on top of the strawberries and gently spread until completely covered.
• Spread the pudding layer over the cream cheese.
• Top with the remaining Stabilized Whipped Cream or Cool Whip.
• Top with the remaining whole and sliced strawberries, and sprinkle with more graham cracker crumbs.
• Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving to set.