Strawberry Shortcake Bars

These Strawberry Shortcake Bars have me dreaming of summer! With layers of sweet Jell-O, smooth whipped cream, and a delightful crunch topping all on a golden cookie crust, these strawberry bars remind me of those strawberry shortcake ice cream bars from the ice cream truck! This recipe will be the star of your next gathering!

It had been a while since I posted a new Dream Bar recipe, but between the recent Root Beer Float Dream Bars and this one, I think I’ve made up for it! Eating these Strawberry Crunch Dream Bars is summer in a spoonful! I love the real strawberry flavor and the combination of smooth and crunchy textures that tickle my tongue! It reminds me of a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bar from my childhood, but without all the artificial flavors!

The star of the show is this delightful Strawberry Crunch Topping, which I use on everything from my breakfast down to desserts like this. It’s easy to make and fun to keep on hand. I think the topping adds the perfect pizazz to these Dream Bars!

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Bars

I know that the ingredient list looks long, but I bet you have a lot of these ingredients on hand already. Here’s what you need to make these strawberry dream bars:

Golden Oreo Crust

Golden Oreo Cookies (you could also use shortbread cookies)

Butter

Strawberry Cream Layer

Strawberry Jell-O

Water: I use both boiling water and cold water to make this layer

Cream cheese, room temperature

Red food coloring (optional)

Cool Whip or my Stabilized Whipped Cream for a homemade alternative using heavy whipping cream

Cream Cheese Layer

Cream cheese, room temperature

Powdered sugar

Pure vanilla extract

More Cool Whip or Stabilized Whipped Cream

Strawberry Crunch Layer

Freeze-dried strawberries

Golden Oreos, crushed with filling

Strawberry Jell-O powder

Pinch of kosher salt

Butter, melted

Fresh strawberries, for garnish

All the ingredients are detailed in the printable recipe card below with exact amounts, so make sure to check it out!

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Dream Bars

These strawberry shortcake bars take some time, but I promise they come together easily! Here’s how I make each layer of this delicious dessert:

Golden Oreo Crust

I start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper so I can easily remove the bars to slice and serve.

In a medium bowl, I melt the butter in the microwave. Then I pulse the Golden Oreos in a food processor or blender until fine crumbs form. I add the cookie crumbs to the bowl with the melted butter and mix with a rubber spatula until everything is well-incorporated.

I pour the crust into my prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer, pressing it to form a nice, even crust. Then I pop the pan into the freezer while preparing the rest of the recipe, or about 30 minutes.

Strawberry Gelatin

I use a 2-cup measuring glass to mix the strawberry gelatin powder with boiling water. Once it fully dissolves, I add the cold water and stir. Then I place this cup into the fridge so the gelatin can cool completely, but not so long that it sets all the way. I find that about 10 minutes is a good time.

Strawberry Cream Part One

Next, in a mixing bowl, I beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then I slowly pour in the chilled gelatin while mixing on low.

Once it’s completely smooth, I place the strawberry cream in the refrigerator to thicken for about an hour. We’ll come back to finish it later.

Cheesecake Layer

In another large bowl, I beat another block of cream cheese, the powdered sugar, and the vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Then I fold in the Cool Whip with a rubber spatula.

I pull the crust out of the freezer and place dollops of the cheesecake mixture onto the frozen crust. Then I use my offset spatula to spread it to form an even layer.

Strawberry Cream Part Two

After the strawberry cream layer has been in the fridge for an hour, I bring it out and fold in the remaining Cool Whip, stirring until evenly distributed and smooth.

Then I gently pour the strawberry cream onto the cheesecake layer and use my offset spatula to spread it evenly.

I place the pan in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight.

Strawberry Crunch Topping

I make this topping just before serving the shortcake bars. First, I put the freeze-dried strawberries and Golden Oreos into the food processor or blender and pulse them until coarse crumbs form.

Next, I add the gelatin powder and a pinch of salt. I pulse briefly to combine.

Finally, I pour in the melted butter and pulse just until the mixture holds together when pressed. I spread it out on a plate and chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Serving the Strawberry Shortcake Bars

For best results, I hull the strawberries and dice them. I sprinkle the crunch topping and diced strawberries all over the bars.

Then I use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. I make clean cuts by running a sharp knife under hot water, drying it off, then slicing through the bars. I repeat this with each cut. You’ll have beautiful strawberry crunch dream bars for your guests!

Recipe Notes

Make sure to use the amounts of water listed in this recipe to mix the gelatin, NOT the amounts on the box instructions! We want a more stable gelatin and less of it.

Be careful not to leave the strawberry cream mixture in the fridge for more than an hour, as it will harden and firm up. It’s not the end of the world—it just won’t mix as smoothly if you wanted a completely creamy layer with no red specks in it!

FAQs

How do I store Strawberry Shortcake Bars?

Keep these bars covered tightly or in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for an additional 2-3 days.

How far in advance can I make these Strawberry Crunch Dream bars?

You can make these up to 24 hours in advance, though I wouldn’t add the crumb topping until right before serving!

Can I freeze Dream Bars?

Yes, you can freeze strawberry shortcake bars, but make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before serving.

More Popular Dream Bars

Dream Bars are hugely popular on my site. Try one of these great options next time:

Lemon Dream Bars

Turtle Dream Bars

Chocolate Dream Bars

Pina Colada Dream Bars

Oreo Pudding Dream Bars

Have you made any of my dream bars? If you make these Strawberry Shortcake Bars, come back and let me know how they turned out. I’d love for you to leave a review and rating!

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The post Strawberry Shortcake Bars appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.