Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy, dreamy dessert that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy! These No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars are about to revolutionize your dessert game, offering a mouthwatering treat that combines the luxurious texture of cheesecake with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries - all without turning on your oven! Perfect for health-conscious foodies, summer gatherings, or anyone craving a decadent yet nutritious sweet escape.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Dessert
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup strawberries, pureed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by adding almonds and pitted dates to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes a sticky, crumbly texture that holds together when pressed.
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
- Press the almond-date mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer. Place in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
- For the cheesecake layer, soak cashews in warm water for 2-3 hours (or overnight) to soften, then drain completely.
- In a high-speed blender, combine softened cashews, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Pour the strawberry cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until the bars are completely firm and set.
- Remove from freezer and lift out of the pan using the parchment paper edges.
- Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting into 12 even squares.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or additional almond crumble if desired. Serve chilled.
- Store remaining bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- Cashew Soaking Secret: For the smoothest, creamiest cheesecake layer, ensure cashews are thoroughly soaked. Overnight soaking yields the best results, but a 2-3 hour warm water soak works perfectly.
- Blending Brilliance: Use a high-speed blender and blend ingredients until completely smooth. Scrape down sides multiple times to ensure no lumps remain.
- Freezing Finesse: Allow bars to freeze completely (2-3 hours) for the ideal set and slice. This helps maintain their perfect shape when cutting.
- Room Temperature Trick: Let bars sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to achieve the ideal creamy texture.
- Storage Hack: These bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for unexpected guests or meal prep.
- Customization Option: Experiment with different berries or add a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
