Description
These Matcha Strawberry Cream Bars are a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a vibrant matcha-flavored cream cheese layer, and a luscious strawberry cream topping. With a combination of creamy textures and fresh fruity notes, they offer a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the matcha layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder (culinary grade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry cream layer:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
For garnish (optional):
- Fresh strawberries
- Matcha powder for dusting
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Place it in the fridge to chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the matcha layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, matcha powder, and vanilla extract, then continue beating until all ingredients are fully blended into a smooth matcha cream. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust and return the pan to the fridge.
- Prepare the strawberry cream layer: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and strawberry puree together until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until combined, creating a light and creamy strawberry topping. Spread this layer over the set matcha layer and smooth the surface.
- Chill and serve: Place the pan back in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the bars to fully set. Once set, slice into 9 bars and garnish with fresh strawberries, a dusting of matcha powder, or a drizzle of white chocolate as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality culinary grade matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- These bars are no-bake, making them perfect for warm weather or when you want a quick dessert.
- For a firmer texture and longer storage, bars can be frozen and thawed slightly before serving.
- If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used to make the puree; just thaw and blend.
