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Easy Make-Ahead Frozen Dessert Bars Recipe Perfect for Summer Treats

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These easy make-ahead frozen dessert bars are a quick, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing summer treat with a creamy filling, fruity layer, and crunchy crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 150g)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (75g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened (450g)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (60g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (240g)
  • 2 cups mixed berries (300g)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts (almonds or pistachios), shredded coconut, chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly coated and mixture looks like wet sand. Press firmly into bottom of 8×8 inch pan. Freeze while preparing filling.
  2. Make the creamy filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add Greek yogurt and mix until combined.
  3. Prepare the fruit layer: Toss mixed berries with honey (or maple syrup) and lemon juice. Let sit 5-10 minutes to macerate.
  4. Assemble the bars: Spread half the cream cheese filling over crust. Spoon berry mixture on top, gently pressing some berries down. Spread remaining cream cheese filling over fruit layer.
  5. Add optional toppings if desired.
  6. Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Freeze at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
  7. Before slicing, let bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Press crust firmly to hold together. Macerate berries to avoid icy bites. Use a warm knife for neat slicing. Bars keep well up to 2 weeks frozen. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and yogurt with coconut cream or cashew-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: frozen dessert bars, summer dessert, make-ahead dessert, no-bake dessert, easy dessert, frozen treat, berry dessert

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-make-ahead-frozen-dessert-bars-recipe-perfect-for-summer-treats/