No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna: The Ultimate Creamy, Dreamy Summer Dessert
Indulge in the ultimate summer treat with this exquisite No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna! This dessert is a symphony of creamy, dreamy textures and vibrant strawberry flavor, making it an absolute showstopper for any gathering. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires no oven, and promises a delightful experience that’s perfect for spring and summer festivities. Get ready to impress with this refreshing, layered masterpiece.
Why This No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna Recipe Works
This No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna stands out as a truly exceptional dessert for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, its no-bake nature makes it an effortless choice, especially during warmer months when you want to avoid turning on the oven. The recipe is carefully constructed with distinct, delicious layers that build upon each other to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The foundation is a delightful graham cracker crust, offering a perfectly sweet and crumbly base. This is followed by a rich and velvety cheesecake layer, made with softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, providing a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. The third layer is a unique and refreshing combination of strawberry Jell-O and Cool Whip, generously mixed with fresh, chopped strawberries. This layer introduces a burst of fruity goodness and a slightly jiggly, light texture that beautifully complements the denser cheesecake.
Finally, the dessert is crowned with a generous, fluffy topping of whipped cream (or more Cool Whip) and adorned with additional fresh strawberries, adding a vibrant visual appeal and another layer of juicy freshness. Each forkful delivers a delightful contrast: the crisp crust, the smooth and creamy cheesecake, the fruity and light Jell-O mixture, and the soft whipped topping. It’s a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on any dessert table.
Our classic chocolate lasagna has long been a favorite, but this strawberries and cream dessert is poised to become the ultimate showstopper for all your spring and summer gatherings. Its bright, refreshing profile is simply irresistible!
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Lasagna
Crafting this delicious no-bake strawberry lasagna requires a few simple ingredients, easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward components that come together to create a truly decadent dessert. While the full, precise measurements and step-by-step instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a general overview of what you’ll need:
Ingredient Details and Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient and knowing potential substitutions can help you customize this strawberry dessert lasagna to your liking or work with what you have on hand.
CRUST – The classic base for this dessert is made from **graham crackers**. They provide a sweet, buttery, and slightly crunchy texture that complements the creamy layers beautifully. For those who might not have graham crackers, or simply want to try something different, finely ground **golden Oreos** (with or without the cream filling) or **shortbread cookies** make excellent substitutes. These alternatives will offer a similar crumbly texture and a delicious flavor twist.
FILLING LAYERS – This no-bake dessert is renowned for its two distinct inner layers.
- The first is a luscious **cream cheese cheesecake layer**. It’s primarily made with softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, creating a rich, tangy, and incredibly smooth filling. We then fold in one container of Cool Whip to lighten it up and add an airy consistency.
- The second inner layer is a vibrant **Cool Whip and strawberry Jell-O mixture**, studded with freshly diced strawberries. This layer is where the intense strawberry flavor truly shines. The Jell-O provides a delightful jiggly texture, while the Cool Whip adds a creamy, fluffy element.
If you prefer, you can certainly use **homemade whipped cream** in place of the store-bought Cool Whip for both filling layers and the topping. Just be sure to stabilize it if you want it to hold its shape for longer, especially in a no-bake recipe.
TOPPING & GARNISH – We keep the topping simple yet effective by using another container of **Cool Whip** for a light, cloud-like finish. This creates a beautiful contrast with the underlying layers. For an extra touch of elegance and fresh flavor, we highly recommend garnishing generously with **fresh, sliced strawberries**. These not only add a pop of color but also reinforce the main strawberry theme. Again, homemade whipped topping can be used here as well for a richer flavor.
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delightful no-bake strawberry lasagna. For the complete, printable version of this recipe, including all measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
Making this strawberry lasagna is a fun and simple process, perfect for any home baker. Follow these easy steps to create your own irresistible dessert:
- **Prepare the Crust:** To a large food processor, add the graham crackers. Pulse them until they form very fine crumbs. While the food processor is running on low speed, gradually add the melted butter. Continue to process until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. This ensures a firm crust.
- **Form the Crust:** Once combined, carefully pour the graham cracker mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Using the bottom of a glass or your hands, firmly press the mixture into an even, compact layer across the bottom of the dish. This creates a sturdy base. Place the dish into the freezer while you prepare the other ingredients. This crucial step helps the crust firm up quickly and prevents it from crumbling when you add the next layers.
- **Make the Cheesecake Layer:** In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth, with no lumps. This is best achieved with an electric mixer. Next, gently fold in one 8 oz container of Cool Whip until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping.
- **Add Cheesecake Layer to Crust:** Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust in the casserole dish. Use a rubber spatula to ensure it’s a smooth, consistent layer from edge to edge. Return the dish to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow this layer to set slightly, making it easier to add the next layer without mixing.
- **Prepare the Strawberry Jell-O Mixture:** In another large bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O powder with boiling hot water, stirring until no granules remain. Let this mixture cool on the counter until it reaches close to room temperature. Once cooled slightly, add the cold water. It’s crucial that the Jell-O mixture is cool and slightly thickened (about 5-10 minutes) before the next step, but not fully set. If it sets too much, it won’t combine properly with the Cool Whip.
- **Create the Strawberry Layer:** Once the Jell-O is cooled and slightly thickened, gently fold in one 8 oz container of Cool Whip. Then, add 3 cups of chopped fresh strawberries to this mixture. Reserve about 1 cup of chopped strawberries for garnishing the top later. This creates a beautiful, pink, fruity layer.
- **Layer the Strawberry Mixture:** Spread this strawberry Jell-O and Cool Whip mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Return the dessert to the refrigerator for another 30-45 minutes. This allows the Jell-O layer to set further, creating distinct, beautiful layers.
- **Add the Final Topping:** Once the strawberry Jell-O layer has set, spread the last 8 oz container of Cool Whip evenly over the top of the dessert. This forms the final, light, and airy layer.
- **Garnish and Chill:** Garnish the top with the reserved fresh strawberries or any additional berries you desire. For the best results and firmest layers, freeze or refrigerate the entire strawberry lasagna for a minimum of 2 hours. This extended chill time is crucial for all the layers to set completely, ensuring clean slices and a perfect texture.
- **Serve:** When ready to serve, remove the dish from the refrigerator or freezer. For neat, clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it clean, and then slice. Repeat this for each cut. If the lasagna was frozen, allow it to soften slightly (about 10 minutes) at room temperature before slicing for easier serving.
This layered strawberry dessert is truly a treat for the eyes and the palate, bringing joy to any occasion with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Lasagna
No, you should NOT make the strawberry Jell-O according to the box directions for this specific recipe. The traditional Jell-O instructions typically call for more water, which would result in a less firm and more liquid consistency than desired for this layered dessert. For our No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna, we have carefully adjusted the amount of boiling water and cold water needed to achieve the perfect setting and consistency for the Jell-O layer when combined with Cool Whip. Please refer to the specific measurements provided in our recipe card below and disregard the instructions printed on the Jell-O box.
Softened cream cheese refers to cream cheese that has been brought to room temperature. This is a critically important step for achieving a smooth, creamy, and lump-free cheesecake layer. When cream cheese is cold, its fats are solidified, making it difficult to mix evenly with other ingredients like powdered sugar. If you try to whip cold cream cheese, you’ll likely end up with stubborn lumps and a grainy texture in your filling. To properly soften cream cheese, unwrap it and place it on a plate. For faster softening, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it yields easily to gentle pressure. Properly softened cream cheese will blend beautifully, creating a silky-smooth, irresistible cheesecake layer for your strawberry lasagna.
Absolutely! This strawberry lasagna is an ideal make-ahead dessert, as it requires significant chilling time for the layers to fully set. You can prepare it a day in advance, or even up to two days prior to serving. In fact, making it ahead often enhances the flavors as they have more time to meld together. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. If you plan to freeze it, wait to add the top layer of fresh strawberries until just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
When stored properly in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap, your no-bake strawberry lasagna will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The graham cracker crust might soften slightly over time, but the overall flavor and texture of the creamy layers will remain delicious. For optimal freshness, enjoy it within the first two days.
While strawberry is the star of this lasagna, you can certainly experiment with other fruits for a different flavor profile! Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or a mixed berry combination would work wonderfully. Just be sure to choose fruits that complement the creamy and Jell-O layers. You might also want to select a Jell-O flavor that pairs well with your chosen fruit (e.g., raspberry Jell-O with raspberries). Always use fresh, chopped fruit for the best texture and flavor, and ensure they are well-drained if they tend to be very juicy.
This No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna is a celebration of fresh strawberries and creamy indulgence. It’s the perfect light and refreshing dessert for any warm-weather occasion, showcasing beautiful layers of smooth cheesecake, vibrant strawberry Jell-O, and airy whipped cream, all enhanced with plenty of chopped fresh strawberries. Get ready for a truly blissful dessert experience!
More Delightful Strawberry Recipes to Try
If you adore the sweet and juicy flavor of strawberries as much as we do, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic strawberry recipes:
- Strawberry Shortcake: A timeless classic that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh berries with fluffy biscuits and whipped cream.
- Instant Pot Strawberry Cheesecake: A surprisingly easy way to make a rich and creamy strawberry cheesecake with minimal effort.
- Strawberry Icebox Cake: Another no-bake wonder, featuring layers of cookies, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.
- Fresh Strawberry Muffins: Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are bursting with strawberry goodness and topped with a bright vanilla lemon glaze.
- Strawberry Banana Popsicles: A healthy and refreshing frozen treat, ideal for cooling down on a hot day.
- Strawberry Lasagna Trifle: If you love the flavors of strawberry lasagna but prefer a different presentation, this trifle version is equally stunning and delicious.
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Strawberry Lasagna
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
15
servings
3 hours
10 minutes
353
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
Crust
-
14.4
oz
graham crackers
1 standard box -
8
Tablespoons
butter
melted
Filling
-
8
oz
cream cheese
softened -
1
cup
powdered sugar -
24
oz
Cool Whip
three 8 oz containers -
3
oz
strawberry jello mix
1 box -
½
cup
boiling water -
½
cup
cold water -
4
cups
strawberries
chopped
Things You’ll Need
-
Food processor -
13×9 baking dish -
Rubber spatula -
Hand mixer
Before You Begin
- If mixing your Jell-O in a glass bowl, be cautious when adding cold water to hot Jell-O mixture. This rapid temperature change can cause thermal shock and potentially break the glass. Allow the hot Jell-O to cool closer to room temperature before incorporating cold water.
- If you are a true strawberry enthusiast like me, feel free to incorporate all four cups of chopped strawberries into the strawberry Jell-O layer. You can then add even more fresh, sliced strawberries on top as a garnish to your heart’s content!
- If you plan on freezing this dessert before serving to make it extra firm, it’s best to wait until after you’ve sliced it to add the decorative fresh strawberries on top. This prevents the strawberries from becoming too hard or icy.
- For the cleanest cuts, especially after chilling or freezing, use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water and wiped clean. Repeat this process for each slice. This will help you achieve those beautifully defined layers.
Instructions
-
To a large food processor add the graham crackers and pulse until a fine crumb. Add the melted butter to the food processor while at low speed.14.4 oz graham crackers,
8 Tablespoons butter -
Once combined, pour the contents into a 9×13 casserole dish and press to form an even layer. Place into the freezer while you assemble the other ingredients to firm up.
-
In a large bowl, whip the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar. Fold in one 8oz container of cool whip. Spread into an even layer on top of the graham cracker crust and refrigerate for 30 minutes.8 oz cream cheese,
1 cup powdered sugar -
In another large bowl dissolve the Jello powder with boiling hot water. As it begins to cool (bowl should get close to room temperature), add the cold water.* Once cooled on the counter (not in the refrigerator as you do not want the Jello to setup) and slightly thickened (about 5-10 minutes), fold with one 8 oz container of cool whip. Add 3 cups of chopped strawberries, reserving about a cup for the garnish on top.** Spread into an even layer on top of the cheesecake layer. Return to the refrigerator to cool for another 30-45 minutes.3 oz strawberry jello mix,
1/2 cup boiling water,
1/2 cup cold water -
Add the last 8 oz container of cool whip on top in an even layer. Garnish with more fresh strawberries. Freeze or refrigerate for a couple hours to setup all layers.
-
Remove and cut with a knife that has been ran under hot water for clean cuts.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- This dessert is served more easily and tastes best when allowed to soften slightly (about 10 minutes) after being frozen. This brings it to a perfect, creamy consistency.
- To achieve extra clean and precise slices, run a sharp knife under hot water for a few seconds and wipe it dry before each cut. This technique helps glide through the layers without dragging.
- For a richer flavor, consider using full-fat cream cheese. If you prefer a lighter dessert, reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, but ensure it’s still softened well.
- Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste and visual appeal. Wash and hull them thoroughly before chopping.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
353
cal
|
Carbohydrates:
49
g
|
Protein:
5
g
|
Fat:
16
g
|
Saturated Fat:
8
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
40
mg
|
Sodium:
342
mg
|
Potassium:
179
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
29
g
|
Vitamin A:
474
IU
|
Vitamin C:
23
mg
|
Calcium:
94
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on April 26, 2021, and has been updated for clarity, expanded content, and enhanced SEO.