Strawberry Delight Dessert Bars are a refreshing no-bake treat layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and a light strawberry pudding topping. A nostalgic, creamy dessert perfect for spring and summer occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity. It’s light yet indulgent, simple to prepare, and ideal for potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. With fresh strawberries and layers of whipped topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires no oven time. Each layer adds its own texture and flavor, making every bite a delightful surprise.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust Layer:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1½ cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, halved or quartered

Pudding Layer:

1 (3.4 oz) package instant strawberry pudding mix
1½ cups cold milk
1½ cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Topping:

1½ cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Additional chopped strawberries, for garnish
Optional: crushed graham crackers for dusting

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan to form the crust. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Fold in 1½ cups of whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
Layer the halved or quartered strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate while preparing the pudding.
In a bowl, whisk together the strawberry pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, or until thickened.
Fold in 1½ cups of whipped topping and mix gently until smooth. Spread the pudding mixture over the strawberry layer.
Top the dessert with the remaining 1½ cups of whipped topping.
Garnish with chopped strawberries and crushed graham crackers if desired.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 squares
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 360 kcal

Variations

Berry blend: Mix strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version.
Citrus twist: Add a few teaspoons of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a hint of brightness.
Chocolate crust: Use chocolate graham crackers or crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for a different base.
Low sugar version: Use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping for a lighter dessert.
Individual servings: Assemble the layers in small dessert cups for a portable or party-friendly presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the whipped topping and fresh strawberries may lose texture when thawed.
Reheating: Not applicable. This is a chilled dessert and should be served cold.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly before layering.

Can I make this dessert a day ahead?

Yes, making it a day in advance allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld perfectly.

What if I don’t have strawberry pudding mix?

You can use vanilla pudding and stir in a bit of strawberry jam or puree for flavor and color.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, homemade whipped cream works well, but ensure it is stabilized to hold its shape.

How do I cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each cut for neat slices.

Is this dessert too sweet?

The cream cheese and fruit layers balance the sweetness of the pudding and topping. You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if desired.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, shortbread cookies or digestive biscuits can also be used for the base.

Will the pudding layer firm up?

Yes, it thickens with the milk and sets further during the chilling time.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Is this dessert good for warm weather?

Absolutely. It’s light, fruity, and refreshing—perfect for warm spring and summer days.

Conclusion

Strawberry Delight Dessert Bars are everything a no-bake dessert should be—easy, refreshing, and layered with complementary textures and flavors. From the buttery graham crust to the fluffy pudding topping, this dessert is a true celebration of strawberries and cream. It’s a favorite for warm weather, festive tables, and anyone who loves a cool, comforting sweet treat.

Strawberry Delight Dessert Bars

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Strawberry Delight is a refreshing no-bake dessert with layers of buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and a fluffy strawberry-pudding topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1½ cups of whipped topping. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
Layer halved or quartered fresh strawberries evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate while preparing the pudding layer.
In a separate bowl, whisk instant strawberry pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in 1½ cups of whipped topping. Spread over the strawberry layer.
Top the dessert with the remaining 1½ cups of whipped topping.
Garnish with additional chopped strawberries and optional crushed graham cracker crumbs.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture before slicing and serving.

Notes

Ensure the crust is fully set before adding the cream cheese layer for cleaner layers.
Use chilled bowls and utensils to help whipped toppings hold shape better.
Best served cold, straight from the fridge.
For extra sweetness, drizzle with a little strawberry syrup before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 360
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg