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Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars are a delightful, no-bake treat that’s perfect for warm days or when you need a quick dessert. With layers of creamy, dreamy goodness and bursts of fresh strawberries, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

These bars combine the smooth richness of whipped cream and Greek yogurt with the sweet tang of strawberry, all nestled between crunchy Graham cracker layers— a delightful treat you simply must try!


Perfect Summer Treat

pieces of strawberry shortcake cream bars made with strawberry slices, graham crackers, and heavy cream


Recipe Overview

Cuisine: American

Cooking Method: No-bake dessert

Skill Required: Easy, suitable for all levels

Signature Taste: Creamy, sweet, and fruity with layers of fresh strawberries and rich whipped cream

Diet Info: Can be made with sugar alternatives like xylitol; adaptable for gluten-free diets using GF graham crackers


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and Family-Friendly: Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars are a blast to make, especially with kids. The process is simple enough for little hands to help, making it a perfect family activity.

Delicious and Refreshing: These bars are incredibly delicious, combining the creamy richness of homemade whipped cream with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries.

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, requiring no baking. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bars in no time, making them perfect for busy days.

Unique and Creative: Using Graham crackers as the “cake” layer gives these bars a unique twist on traditional shortcakes, adding a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly.

Perfect for Summertime: These bars are an ideal treat for hot summer days. They’re cold, refreshing, and perfect for poolside snacks. Kids will love sharing them with their friends during playdates and pool parties.

Healthier Dessert Option: With the ability to use sugar alternatives like xylitol and incorporate Greek yogurt, these bars can be a healthier dessert option for your family. They offer a delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat without guilt.


Recipe Tip

You can add more sugar or jam for more sweetness. This Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars recipe is not too sweet, so I suggest you grab a spoon and taste the mixture before you assemble it.


Ingredients

  • Heavy cream
  • Graham crackers
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sugar or xylitol
  • Greek yogurt
  • Strawberry preserve, jam
  • Sliced strawberries

Scroll down for recipe details.


Try These Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Fluffy Shortcake Yogurt Cream Bars filled with heavy cream, strawberry jam, and strawberry slices between two layers of graham crackers

Recipe Tip

I added xylitol which is sugar-free. If you want to refrain from sugar as much as possible, I suggest you add sugar free jam!


Variations and Substitutions

Extra Flavor Boost: To enhance the flavor of your Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars, add a little extra vanilla extract. This will give the bars a richer, more aromatic taste that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Fun Add-Ins: Add sprinkles to the cream mixture or on top of the bars for a festive look, especially if you’re making them for a special occasion.

Fruit Alternatives: If strawberries aren’t your favorite, you can substitute them with other fruits like mango, blueberry, or raspberry. This allows you to enjoy a variety of flavors while using the same basic recipe.

Greek Yogurt Alternatives: Greek yogurt is recommended for its thick texture, which helps hold the bars together. However, if you prefer not to use it, you can increase the whipping time for the heavy cream until it reaches very stiff peaks. This will create a thicker, more stable cream layer, similar to ice cream.

Sweetness Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute like xylitol. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, add a little more sugar or a drizzle of honey.

Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers. This substitution allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious treat without any worries.


pieces of shortcake yogurt cream bars made with strawberry pieces, graham crackers, and heavy cream

Expert Tips

Avoid Overbeating the Cream: Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter.

Perfect Graham Cracker Layers: To achieve an even layer of Graham crackers, break them along the perforations and use smaller pieces to fill in any gaps. If you prefer a softer texture, briefly dip the Graham crackers in milk before layering.

Enhance the Strawberry Flavor: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, add a few tablespoons of strawberry preserves to the whipped cream mixture.

Easy Slicing and Serving: To make slicing easier, let the bars thaw for about 10 minutes after removing them from the freezer. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts through the frozen layers.


Storage Tips

Serving: Before serving, let the bars thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will make them easier to slice and more enjoyable to eat. For the best texture and flavor, avoid letting the bars sit at room temperature for too long.

Freezing: After assembling the bars in the 9×13 baking dish, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.

If you prefer to store individual portions, cut the bars after they have initially frozen for 2-4 hours. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab a single serving when you want a quick treat.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long do the bars need to freeze?

The bars should be frozen for 2–4 hours to set properly. For the best texture, allow them to thaw for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How long should I let the bars thaw before serving?

Allow the bars to thaw until slightly creamy; otherwise, they will be too frozen to enjoy.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the bars in advance and keep them frozen until you’re ready to serve.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream is essential for achieving the whipped texture, but you can experiment with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream if you need a dairy-free option. Note that the texture and flavor might differ slightly.


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5 from 6 votes

Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars

By: Lama
This fluffy treat where layers of creamy whipped goodness interlace with the sweetness of fresh strawberries offers decadent textures and flavors. Try it now!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Freezing Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 11

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 2-3 packets graham crackers
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sugar or xylitol
  • 2 cups greek yogurt
  • ½ cup strawberry preserve, jam
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries

Instructions 

  • Layer a 9×13 baking dish with graham crackers. 
  • In a medium-sized bowl mix together the heavy cream, sugar (add more if you like it sweeter), and vanilla extract until it reaches a peak; cream has formed. Add in the sliced strawberries.
  • In another bowl mix together the Greek yogurt and strawberry preserves. Then fold it together with the heavy cream mixture.
  • Place the cream filling on top of the layered graham crackers, making sure to spread evenly.
  • Top with a layer of graham crackers making sure you cover all areas. Break the graham cracker in half if needed to fill in smaller spaces. 
  • Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 2-4 hours. Allow to thaw for 10 minutes before you slice.

Notes

  • Avoid Overbeating the Cream: Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter.
  • Perfect Graham Cracker Layers: To achieve an even layer of graham crackers, break them along the perforations and use smaller pieces to fill in any gaps. If you prefer a softer texture, briefly dip the graham crackers in milk before layering.
  • Enhance the Strawberry Flavor: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, add a few tablespoons of strawberry preserves to the whipped cream mixture.
  • Easy Slicing and Serving: To make slicing easier, let the bars thaw for about 10 minutes after removing them from the freezer. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts through the frozen layers.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 956IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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About Lama

I'm Lama, welcome to my blog where you will find simple and diverse recipes your entire family will enjoy. I am honored to connect with you through the recipes I prepare!

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’m glad I found your blog Lama! This FLUFFY SHORTCAKE YOGURT CREAM BARS recipe is super tasty. I’m gonna double the quantity next time!

  2. 5 stars
    OMG! These were amazing! They are also very easy to make! My husband and kiddos loved them. Will def so them again ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜