Strawberry Crunch Layer Dessert
User Reviews
4.6
Strawberry Crunch Layer Dessert
Description
The Strawberry Crunch Layer Dessert starts with a base made from crushed golden Oreos mixed with melted butter pressed firmly into a pan. This crust provides a sturdy, sweet foundation. The cheesecake layer features cream cheese beaten smooth with sugar, instant vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract, whipped with heavy cream and layered with strawberry pie filling, creating a rich and creamy middle with a touch of strawberry sweetness. On top, a crunchy strawberry topping made from crushed golden Oreos combined with pulverized freeze-dried strawberries adds a fruity crunch.
The filling has a balance of creamy texture and bright berry flavor, while the crust and topping layers provide contrasting crunchiness. Preparation involves distinct layering and chilling to set the dessert firmly. The freeze-dried strawberries in the topping lend a concentrated strawberry flavor and interesting texture, distinguishing this dessert from standard cheesecake bars.
This dessert suits occasions where a make-ahead chilled dessert is needed; it can be sliced into bars for serving. Chilling the crust in the fridge helps firm it before adding the cheesecake mix. Each element contributes both to texture variety and strawberry flavor notes, making it a distinctive layered dessert option.
Ingredients
Topping
- 13 golden Oreos
- freeze-dried strawberries 5 ounces
Crust
- 40 golden Oreos about 3 3/4 cups, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 12 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 21 ounce strawberry pie filling canned
Whipped Cream
- 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar plus 3 tablespoons
Instructions
Topping
- Add the Oreos into the food processor and pulse until the cookies are completely crumbs.
- Remove half of the crumbs and set them aside.
- Add in the strawberries and pulse until the freeze-dried strawberries are broke down and mostly powder.
- Combine the golden Oreo crumbs with the strawberry coated crumbs and set aside.
Crust
- Spray the bottom of a 9x13 glass pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Add the Oreos to a food processor and pulse until the cookies are completely crumbs.
- Add the melted butter to the food processor and pulse until the butter coats all of the crumbs.
- Pour the crumbs into the prepared pan and firmly and evenly press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan.
- Place in the fridge to set up while working the cheesecake layer.
Cheesecake
- In a large bowl, add in the cream cheese. Beat with a hand mixer on medium until smooth.
- Add in the granulated sugar and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Beat until incorporated.
- Add in the vanilla extract and add the heavy whipping cream in 1/4 cup increments and beat until each addition is combined before adding the next. Beat the mixture until stiff peaks form.
- Add dollops of cheesecake all over the top of the chilled crust. Spread evenly using an offset spatula.
- Add dollops of the strawberry pie filling on top of the cheesecake layer. Spread the strawberry gel out evenly.
- Place back in the fridge to chill while working on the whipped cream.
Whipped cream
- Add the heavy whipping cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium until stiff peaks form.
- Add dollops of whipped cream on top of the strawberry pie filling. Spread out evenly. Don't worry if the pie filling slightly gets mixed into the whipped cream.
- Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping on top of the whipped cream.
- Place in the freezer or fridge to set up for at least 4 hours. I prefer to cut and remove the slices while they're frozen and then let them sit for 30 minutes at room temperature until softened.
- Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge or freezer.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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