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Creamy Valentine’s Pink Strawberry Crème Puff Bars

strawberry crème puff bars - featured image
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These creamy strawberry crème puff bars combine a light, flaky puff pastry base with a smooth strawberry cream filling, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any festive occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml), cold
  • 8 oz cream cheese (225g), softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries (about 150g), pureed
  • Optional garnish: fresh strawberry slices
  • Optional garnish: powdered sugar dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Let the base cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. While the base cools, whip cold heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  9. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gently fold pureed strawberries into the cream cheese mixture.
  11. Slowly fold whipped cream into the strawberry cream mixture until just combined.
  12. Spread the strawberry cream filling evenly over the cooled crème puff base and smooth the top.
  13. Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and filling set.
  14. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

Use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing. Fold whipped cream gently to keep filling airy. Chill bars thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts. Fresh or thawed frozen strawberries can be used; drain frozen berries well to avoid watery filling. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry dessert, crème puff bars, Valentine’s Day dessert, creamy strawberry bars, easy dessert bars, puff pastry dessert

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-valentines-pink-strawberry-cr-e-me-puff-bars-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dessert-bars/