Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars

Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix; 1/3 cup butter (softened); 1 large egg; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/3 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: lemon juice; 3 cups fresh strawberries

Published: July 10, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars ready in no time.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates a delightful taste that is both sweet and refreshing.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars fit any event.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite fruits or toppings to create your own version of this delicious dessert.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9×13 baking pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture quickly, saving you time and effort.
9×13 baking pan: The perfect size for baking your bars evenly and easily cutting them into squares.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the Crust

1 18.25 oz box vanilla cake mix
1/3 cup butter (room temperature or softened)
1 large egg

For the Filling

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Topping

3 cups fresh strawberries
1 large egg (for cream cheese mixture)

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love!

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper or foil for easy removal later.

Step 3: Make the Crust Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
* 1/3 cup butter (softened)
* 1 large egg
* 1 box vanilla cake mix

Use an electric mixer or your hands to blend until it forms a stiff dough.

Step 4: Reserve Dough for Topping

Set aside 1 cup of the crust mixture for topping later.

Step 5: Bake the Crust

Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the crust bakes:
In another mixing bowl, beat together:
* 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Optional: 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 large egg

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble Bars

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust. Then, layer thick slices of fresh strawberries on top before sprinkling with reserved crust mixture.

Step 8: Bake Again

Return to oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until set and golden brown on top.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Allow bars to cool on a wire rack. For glaze, mix:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk

Stir until smooth; drizzle over cooled bars.

Step 10: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars! These treats are sure to impress with their delightful flavors and creamy texture.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

For a Classic Presentation

Chilled: Serve the bars chilled for a refreshing dessert, especially on warm days.
With Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the strawberries.

Pairing with Drinks

Iced Tea: A glass of sweetened iced tea balances the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
Lemonade: Refreshing lemonade adds a zesty contrast that brightens up each bite.

Dessert Plates

Single Serving: For individual servings, cut the bars into smaller squares and place them on decorative plates.
Family Style: Serve the entire pan for a casual family gathering, allowing guests to take their own portions.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars

To ensure your Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid dense bars; overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to prevent crumbling and maintain clean edges.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars

These delicious bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the tartness of strawberries.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits enhances freshness and provides a colorful presentation.
Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy, this dairy-free topping offers a tropical twist alongside the strawberry flavor.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These indulgent treats offer a fun way to enjoy more strawberries while adding chocolatey goodness.
Granola Parfait: Layering with yogurt and granola creates a satisfying crunch that pairs well with soft bars.
Nutty Trail Mix: A side of nutty trail mix brings texture and crunch, making it a perfect accompaniment for snacking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)Bars can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

Using cold ingredients: Cold cream cheese and butter can make it hard to achieve a smooth mixture. Always use softened ingredients for ease of mixing and better texture.
Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the bars before serving, they may fall apart. Allowing them to cool for at least 30 minutes helps them set properly.
Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can ruin your recipe. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Overbaking: Keeping an eye on baking time is crucial. Overbaking can lead to dry bars; aim for the center to be just set.
Ignoring the glaze: The vanilla cream glaze adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it or rush the mixing process; take your time to get it right.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Substituting gluten-free cake mix for regular cake mix works well while keeping the flavor intact.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute with vegan cream cheese or a mixture of silken tofu blended until smooth for a dairy-free option.

How do I store leftover bars?

Leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different fruits or add nuts for added texture. They are perfect for any occasion, so give this recipe a try!

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