Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares

Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares—a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of cream cheese. These squares are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering. With a buttery crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry topping, they’re sure to become a favorite dessert in your recipe collection.

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares. Picture a buttery crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a burst of fresh strawberries—each bite is a heavenly delight. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these squares are guaranteed to please.

Resume of the recipe:

Prepare to be delighted by our Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares—a heavenly combination of buttery crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries. What sets our squares apart is their simplicity and irresistible flavor. With just a few basic ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack, these squares are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Exciting Story:

In our household, Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares are a beloved treat—a dessert that’s as irresistible as it is easy to make. I still remember the first time I baked them—the aroma of freshly baked crust, the creamy texture of the filling, and the burst of sweetness from the strawberries. Since then, they’ve become a go-to dessert for family gatherings and special occasions, always earning rave reviews from everyone who tries them.

Why This ‘Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares’:

• Irresistible Flavor: Our Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares offer a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, these squares are easy to make and budget-friendly.
• Versatile: Whether served as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat, these squares are versatile and always delicious.
• Impressive Presentation: With their vibrant strawberry topping and creamy filling, these squares look as good as they taste, making them an impressive addition to any dessert table.

Selling Points:

Why This ‘Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares’

Underneath the title, write the selling points of the recipe. Explain what makes it unique, what ingredients are used, and what flavors to expect.

What i need to make Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves

How to Make Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare Crust:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare Filling:
   • In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
4. Add Strawberry Topping:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries and strawberry jam. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
5. Chill and Serve:
   • Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill the squares for at least 2 hours, or until set.
   • Once chilled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips For Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares:

• Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are preferred for the topping, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Simply thaw them before cooking with the jam.
• Make-Ahead: These squares can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, to create your own unique variations of these squares.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these squares gluten-free.
• Vegan Option: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
• Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the crust for extra texture and flavor.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares:

• Lighter Filling: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and powdered sugar substitute to lighten the filling while still retaining its creamy texture.
• Fruit Sweetened Jam: Choose a fruit-sweetened jam or preserves to reduce the added sugar content of the strawberry topping.
• Whole Wheat Crust: Use whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a heartier crust with added fiber.

“And there you have it—a taste of strawberry bliss with our Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or sweet breakfast treat, these squares are sure to brighten your day. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and indulge in the creamy goodness of homemade goodness!”

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones for the topping? Yes, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones. Thaw them before cooking with the jam to release their juices.

How long do these squares last in the refrigerator? These squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or at room temperature.

Can I use a different fruit for the topping? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to create your own unique variations of these squares.

Can I make these squares ahead of time? Yes, these squares can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze these squares? While it’s possible to freeze these squares, the texture of the cream cheese filling may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store them in an airtight container for up to one month and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different type of jam or preserves for the topping? Yes, you can use any flavor of jam or preserves that complements the strawberries and cream cheese filling. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.

Can I make these squares gluten-free? Yes, you can make these squares gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the crust. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Squares

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Cake, Christmas, Dessert

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
• In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
• In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
• Refrigerate the squares for at least 2 hours, or until set. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.