Strawberry Dream Dessert
User Reviews
5
Strawberry Dream Dessert
Description
Strawberry Dream Dessert starts with a graham cracker crust mixed with finely processed pecans and melted butter, firmly pressed into the pan and chilled to set. The filling blends softened cream cheese and butter with powdered sugar, thawed frozen whipped topping, chopped strawberries, lemon juice and zest, strawberry Jell-O, and vanilla, creating a creamy, fruity layer. The topping is a combination of two crumb mixtures, one mixed with strawberry Jell-O and flour, the other with flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla, baked until crisp and cooled.
The assembled dessert layers the crust, filling, and cool crumble topping to balance fruity sweetness with richness and crunch. Letting cream cheese and butter soften before mixing ensures a smooth filling without lumps. Using thawed frozen strawberries improves ease of slicing and layering and helps maintain neat layers.
This dessert can be made ahead, with the option to use store-bought graham cracker crusts for convenience and speed. Leftovers should be stored refrigerated for freshness.
Ingredients
Crumble Topping:
- 3 ounces Jell-O strawberry flavored; box
- 1 cup all-purpose flour divided
- 1/2 cup butter cold and divided, unsalted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup pecans finely processed in a food processor - or use more crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter melted, unsalted
Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter softened to room temperature
- 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounce frozen whipped topping thawed, container
- 2 1/2 cups strawberries chopped
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 3 ounces strawberry Jell-O package
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Crumble Topping:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl using a fork stir Jell-o with 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup butter.
- In another medium bowl stir 1/2 cup flour, with 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup butter, plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Also, use a fork to mix and make crumbles.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle on it the strawberry crumbles. Next, sprinkle on the vanilla crumbles, and slightly mix them by hand.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes and do NOT stir.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, take a fork and stir them first.
Make the crust:
- In a large bowl mix all the crust ingredients and stir until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13 baking dish and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Chill in the fridge for 15 mins.
Make the filling:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, and Jell-o, and beat on low-medium speed until smooth. Stop to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl from time to time.
- Next, add lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- After that, spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled graham cracker layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the whipped topping with the chopped strawberries. Stir well until fully combined.
- Spread the whipped topping mixture over the cream cheese, and gently using the back of a spoon.
- Finally, sprinkle the strawberry crumbles on top.
Chill:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or for the best results overnight.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature about one hour before mixing for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Frozen strawberries should be thawed before slicing to maintain neat layers and ease of preparation.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- Using store-bought graham cracker crusts is a quick alternative that works well without sacrificing flavor.
- Two batches can be made and one frozen, ensuring it is fully cool before wrapping tightly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 697 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 697kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 96g | 32% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 44g | 68% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 68mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 603mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 269mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 72g | 144% |
| Vitamin A | 1277IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 111mg | 11% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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