Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (115g) walnuts, finely chopped
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (480ml) frozen strawberries, thawed and slightly mashed
  • 3 cups (710ml) whipped topping, thawed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped walnuts until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 15–20 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
  4. Allow the crust to cool completely in the pan before adding the filling.
  5. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and velvety, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Gently fold in the thawed, mashed strawberries until a marbled effect is achieved.
  7. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until combined, then spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  8. Freeze for at least 8 hours to set.
  9. Lift the dessert from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 36 precise squares using a sharp chef's knife.