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–+ servings
Strawberries and Cream Dream Layer

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM DREAM LAYER RECIPE

A light, creamy layered dessert featuring a buttery graham crust, soft whipped cream–cheese filling, and plenty of fresh strawberries. Simple to assemble, refreshing when chilled, and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream Layer

  • 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups cold heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Strawberry Layer

  • 3 cups fresh strawberries sliced
  • ½ cup strawberry jam warmed slightly

Optional Toppings

  • Whipped cream
  • Mint leaves
  • Extra berries

Instructions
 

MAKE THE CRUST

  • Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish, smoothing it to an even layer. Chill for 15 minutes.

PREPARE THE CREAM FILLING

  • Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and continue mixing until creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with 3 tablespoons sugar until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture.

FIRST LAYERS

  • Spread half the cream mixture over the chilled crust. Top with half the sliced strawberries. Spoon or drizzle half the jam over the berries.

SECOND LAYERS

  • Add the rest of the cream mixture. Smooth it gently. Add the remaining strawberries and drizzle the remaining jam on top.

CHILL

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

RECIPE TIPS
  • Let the cream cheese soften completely.
  • Use fresh strawberries for the cleanest slices.
  • Don’t rush the chilling time—the structure develops as it rests.
  • Fold, don’t stir, when combining whipped cream with the cream cheese mixture.
For tidy slices, wipe your knife clean between cuts.
SERVING IDEAS
Serve this dreamy layered dessert after:
A summer BBQ
A holiday brunch
A birthday lunch
A weeknight dinner when everyone wants “something sweet but not heavy”
It also makes a lovely potluck dish because it travels well if kept chilled.
If you want a little extra flair, pipe small swirls of whipped cream across the top and add a few whole berries for decoration.
MAKE-AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS
This dessert is ideal for prepping ahead.
Assemble the entire dish up through the final layer of strawberries.
Cover tightly.
Refrigerate overnight.
It slices better the next day, and the flavors mellow together in a way that only improves the experience.
STORAGE
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to three days.
Freezer
Freeze the dessert without berries on top for up to two months. Add berries after thawing.