No Bake Strawberry Lush Dessert 🍓

Creamy, Fruity, and Perfectly Chilled for Any Occasion!

If you’re craving a refreshing, fruity dessert that’s easy to prepare, beautifully layered, and guaranteed to please a crowd, look no further than this No Bake Strawberry Lush Dessert. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, fresh strawberries suspended in jiggly strawberry gelatin, and a fluffy whipped topping — it’s everything you want in a no-bake treat!

This dessert is ideal for spring and summer picnics, holiday tables, or any time you don’t want to turn on the oven. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh strawberries, making it taste like sunshine in every bite!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ No oven required — Perfect for warm-weather desserts.
🍓 Fresh strawberry flavor — Balanced with creamy and crunchy layers.
⏱️ Quick prep + make-ahead — Just chill and serve.
🌿 Customizable — Try raspberries, blueberries, or lemon zest too.
👩‍🍳 Beginner-friendly — No complicated techniques or tools needed.

---

Ingredients Breakdown

This lush dessert is made up of four simple layers that combine into one amazing bite.

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs – You can crush whole crackers in a food processor or use store-bought crumbs.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust.
• ½ cup melted butter – Holds the crust together and adds richness.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Gives the dessert its classic tangy cheesecake base.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the layer.
• ½ cup whipped topping (Cool Whip) – Makes the layer light and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 package (6 oz) strawberry Jell-O – The star of the fruity layer.
• 2 cups boiling water – Dissolves the gelatin.
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped – Juicy, bright flavor in every bite.

For the Whipped Topping:

• 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip) – The creamy final touch.
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar – Helps the topping hold shape.
• Fresh strawberries – Optional garnish for color and flair.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish using your fingers or the back of a spoon.

📌 Tip: Chill the crust for 10–15 minutes while you make the filling to help it set.

---

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy — no lumps! Fold in ½ cup of whipped topping and the vanilla extract. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the crust using an offset spatula for a smooth surface.

---

3. Create the Strawberry Layer

Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved, then let it cool for about 10 minutes — this helps prevent melting the cream cheese layer.

Next, fold in the fresh chopped strawberries, then carefully pour the mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread it out gently and evenly.

📌 Important: Let the gelatin cool before pouring so it doesn’t break the cream layer.

---

4. Add the Final Topping

Mix 1 cup of whipped topping with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. This gives it more structure and a touch of sweetness. Gently spread this topping over the set strawberry layer using a spoon or spatula.

---

5. Chill Until Set

Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — overnight is even better. This allows the Jell-O to fully firm up and all the layers to meld together.

---

6. Garnish & Serve

Just before serving, top the dessert with fresh strawberries for a stunning finish. Cut into neat squares and serve chilled. Watch as everyone comes back for seconds!

---

Serving Ideas

This Strawberry Lush is versatile and pairs well with many summer favorites:

• ☀️ BBQ or picnic main dishes
• 🍾 Brunch table centerpiece
• 🍋 Add lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for zing
• 🍫 Sprinkle white chocolate curls on top for a fancy twist

---

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not ideal due to the gelatin and cream — may separate when thawed.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep this up to 24 hours in advance.

---

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid that could affect the gelatin.

Q: Can I make this in a 9×13-inch pan?
You can! Just double the ingredients for best layer thickness.

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely. Just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

---

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about lush desserts — and this No Bake Strawberry Lush is no exception. It’s got layers of creamy, crunchy, fruity, and sweet — all without turning on the oven. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a personal treat, this dessert will be your new favorite summer staple.

Don’t forget to pin it, share it, and make it for your next get-together!

Print