Description
Layered Vanilla Cream Dessert Bars feature a buttery crust, smooth vanilla cream filling, and a delicate topping, creating an elegant, easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese or 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare crust by mixing flour, butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press into an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Bake crust for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- If using cream cheese: whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. If using heavy cream: whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread vanilla cream evenly over cooled crust.
- Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into 12 bars.
Notes
- Add fresh berries or fruit compote between layers for added flavor.
- Use lemon zest or almond extract for different flavor variations.
- Top with shredded coconut or chopped nuts for texture.
- Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days; serve chilled.
- Freeze uncut bars wrapped tightly; thaw before serving.
- For firmer set, dissolve gelatin in warm water and fold into cream layer.
- Add chocolate chips to crust for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake crust fully before adding cream to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg