Creamy Dream: Strawberry Dessert Squares Recipe
Get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven with these creamy strawberry dessert squares! This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors, all in a delightful square that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a potluck, a sweet treat for a summer picnic, or simply a way to satisfy your strawberry cravings, these squares are guaranteed to be a hit. The creamy filling, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, sits atop a buttery, crumbly crust, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into the wonderful world of strawberry dessert squares!
## Ingredients:
Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is divided into three parts: the crust, the filling, and the optional glaze.
**For the Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* ⅓ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 3-5 tablespoons ice water
**For the Filling:**
* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
* 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
* 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
**Optional Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
## Equipment:
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls (large and medium)
* Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
* Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
* Whisk
## Instructions:
Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for creating these delightful strawberry dessert squares.
### Part 1: Making the Crust
The crust is the foundation of these squares, so it’s important to get it right. A buttery, crumbly crust complements the creamy filling perfectly.
1. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, your fingers (working quickly to prevent the butter from melting), or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter throughout.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. The goal is to add just enough water to bring the dough together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more as needed until the dough just comes together. It should be slightly moist but not sticky.
4. **Form the Dough:** Gently gather the dough into a ball. Flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
5. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal of the squares later.
6. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle slightly larger than your baking pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides.
7. **Pre-bake the Crust:** Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
### Part 2: Preparing the Creamy Strawberry Filling
Now for the star of the show: the creamy, strawberry-infused filling. This is where the magic happens!
1. **Beat the Cream Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is important to prevent lumps in the filling.
2. **Add Sugar and Vanilla:** Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. **Fold in Whipped Cream:** In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks using an electric mixer or a whisk. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream and result in a runny filling.
4. **Add Strawberries:** Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries and the optional strawberry jam (if using). The jam enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
5. **Assemble the Squares:** Pour the strawberry cream cheese filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
6. **Chill:** Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely. This is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture and preventing the squares from being too soft.
### Part 3: Optional Glaze (for Extra Sweetness)
While these squares are delicious on their own, a simple glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and optional vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.
2. **Drizzle or Spread Glaze:** Once the squares are completely chilled and set, drizzle or spread the glaze evenly over the top.
### Part 4: Cutting and Serving
The final step is the most rewarding: cutting and enjoying your creamy strawberry dessert squares!
1. **Cut into Squares:** Carefully cut the chilled squares into desired sizes. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, simply lift the squares out of the pan using the overhang. This makes cutting much easier and prevents the squares from sticking to the pan.
2. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the strawberry dessert squares chilled. You can garnish them with extra fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprig of mint for a more elegant presentation.
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Strawberry Dessert Squares:
* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky, tender crust. Make sure the butter is very cold before you start cutting it into the flour.
* **Don’t Overmix the Crust:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and makes it easier to roll out. It also helps to prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
* **Use Fresh Strawberries:** Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor for the filling. However, if fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained well.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before you beat it. This will prevent lumps in the filling.
* **Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks:** Whipped cream adds lightness and airiness to the filling. Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks, but be careful not to overwhip it.
* **Chill the Squares Completely:** Chilling the squares for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, is crucial for allowing the filling to set and achieve the desired creamy texture.
* **Use a Sharp Knife:** Use a sharp knife to cut the squares cleanly. You can also dip the knife in warm water between cuts to prevent the squares from sticking.
* **Vary the Flavors:** Experiment with different flavors by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or other flavorings to the filling. You can also use different types of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries.
* **Make Ahead:** These squares can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, they often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld.
## Variations:
* **Lemon Strawberry Squares:** Add the zest of one lemon to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy twist.
* **Almond Strawberry Squares:** Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a nutty flavor.
* **Chocolate Strawberry Squares:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished squares for a decadent treat. You can also add cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolate crust.
* **No-Bake Version:** For a no-bake version, use a graham cracker crust instead of a baked crust. Simply press the graham cracker crumbs into the pan and proceed with the filling.
* **Vegan Strawberry Squares:** Substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, the butter with vegan butter, and the heavy cream with coconut cream. Ensure the other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.
## Serving Suggestions:
* Serve these squares as a dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to formal dinner parties.
* Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Pack them in lunchboxes or take them on picnics.
* Garnish them with fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprig of mint.
## Storage:
Store the strawberry dessert squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed chilled.
## Conclusion:
These creamy strawberry dessert squares are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery, crumbly crust, creamy, strawberry-infused filling, and optional sweet glaze, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead and try this recipe today and experience the taste of summer in every bite! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
This recipe is a guaranteed winner, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of the buttery crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and the results incredibly rewarding. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that will impress your family and friends. These strawberry dessert squares are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of summer flavors and a testament to the joy of baking. Happy baking!