Strawberries and drained peaches sit over a cookie base beneath an agar-set cream cheese layer. Agar must be heated according to its product directions before mixing into the filling. This dessert uses no oven, but it does require stovetop heating and chilling.
Recipe Details
- Dish: about 20×15 cm, deep enough for the layers
- Chill: at least 2 hours, until fully set
- Setting ingredient: agar powder, not gelatin
Ingredients
- 280 g cookies, divided between the base, middle and topping
- 60 g unsalted butter, melted, for the base
- 200 g fresh strawberries, cut into pieces
- 200 g peach slices in syrup, drained
- 300 g cream cheese, softened
- 200 ml heavy cream, about 33% fat
- 200 ml whole milk
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 10 g agar agar powder; check your brand’s strength and directions
- Shredded coconut, for garnish
How to Make Strawberry and Peach Cream Cheese Dessert
Make the cookie base
Reserve some of the 280 g cookies for the middle layer and topping. Crush the rest and mix with the 60 g melted butter. Press into a dish about 20×15 cm with adequate depth and refrigerate briefly.
Add the fruit
Arrange the cut strawberries and well-drained peaches over the base.
Mix the cream cheese
Whisk the softened cream cheese, heavy cream and sugar until smooth. Have this mixture ready before heating the agar.
Activate the agar
Mix the milk and agar powder in a saucepan. Heat while stirring and bring to a boil, then cook for the time stated on your agar package until fully dissolved. Agar brands vary in strength; confirm the listed amount against the full mixture before starting.
Combine and assemble promptly
Stir a little of the cream cheese mixture into the hot agar milk, then immediately whisk it back into the rest of the filling until smooth. Work promptly because agar starts setting as it cools. Pour half over the fruit, add some reserved cookie crumbs and cover with the remaining filling.
Finish and chill
Add the remaining cookie crumbs and coconut on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until fully cold and firm. Cut into pieces or serve from the dish.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Drain the syrup from the peaches so extra liquid does not dilute the filling.
- Use softened cream cheese for smoother mixing.
- Activate agar with heat and follow the actual product directions.
- The FunCakes agar guide explains that agar dissolves in boiling liquid and begins setting as it cools.
- Do not substitute the same weight of gelatin without reformulating its quantity and method.
- Keep the layers ready so the agar filling can be assembled quickly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days for the best set and fruit texture. The dairy filling must remain chilled. Freezing may change the set and fruit texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this dessert contain gelatin?
No. It uses agar powder, which has a different preparation method and strength from gelatin.
Why did agar form strands in the cream?
It may have started setting before it was mixed in. Have the filling and dish ready, dissolve the agar fully and combine promptly.
Does no-bake mean no heat?
No. The milk and agar need saucepan heating, even though the assembled dessert is not oven-baked.