Easy No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna Trifle: The Ultimate Layered Dessert Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with this spectacular **Strawberry Lasagna Trifle** – a stunning, tiered rendition of the classic dessert lasagna that everyone adores at potlucks and gatherings. This trifle artfully layers rich, creamy cheesecake, refreshing whipped strawberry Jell-O, and a satisfyingly crunchy graham cracker crust. It’s a dessert that not only looks incredibly impressive but also delivers a burst of fresh strawberry and decadent cream cheese flavors in every spoonful.
Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, a summer barbecue, or an elegant Easter celebration, this no-bake trifle is your secret weapon for a show-stopping sweet treat. Its vibrant colors and delightful textures make it an instant crowd-pleaser, promising a light, creamy, and wonderfully refreshing experience. Say goodbye to heavy, complicated desserts and hello to your new favorite go-to recipe for effortless elegance!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lasagna Trifle
This recipe transforms our beloved strawberry lasagna into a breathtaking trifle, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will captivate your taste buds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of each component. Imagine layers of buttery graham cracker crumbs providing a perfect base, followed by a smooth, tangy cheesecake filling, and crowned with a light, airy whipped strawberry Jell-O mixture infused with chunks of fresh, sweet strawberries.
The result is a dessert that is not only incredibly easy to assemble but also promises a decadent yet refreshing experience. It’s the ideal sweet ending to any meal, particularly those enjoyed during the warmer months. Its no-bake nature means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests, making it a stress-free option for holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion. The vibrant red of the strawberries against the white of the creamy layers creates an absolutely gorgeous presentation that will impress everyone.
Key Ingredients for This Dreamy Trifle
Crafting this exquisite strawberry trifle requires a few simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. You’ll find the full list of measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post, but let’s dive into some of the key components and why they’re essential.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
- GRAHAM CRACKERS: These form the backbone of our trifle, providing a delightful crunch and a sweet, slightly spiced flavor. While toasting the graham cracker crumbs isn’t strictly necessary, it truly enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crispiness, making them even more irresistible. This step is entirely optional but highly recommended for a richer taste. For added sweetness, you can mix 1⁄2 cup of granulated sugar into the graham cracker crumb and melted butter mixture. If you want to get creative, feel free to substitute graham crackers with finely ground golden Oreos or even shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are finely crushed to create a consistent base.
- STRAWBERRY GELATIN: The star of the vibrant red layer! Strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) provides that iconic fruity flavor and a beautiful pink hue. Mixed with Cool Whip, it creates a light, airy, and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- CREAM CHEESE: This is key to the luscious, rich cheesecake layer. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a lump-free, smooth mixture. This ensures it beats up light and fluffy, perfectly blending with the powdered sugar.
- POWDERED SUGAR: Used to sweeten the cream cheese layer and give it a silky-smooth texture. It dissolves easily, preventing any grainy feel.
- COOL WHIP: This provides the airy, whipped texture in both the cheesecake and strawberry layers. It simplifies the recipe by eliminating the need to whip heavy cream from scratch, making this a truly easy no-bake dessert. Ensure it’s thawed before using.
- FRESH STRAWBERRIES: Crucial for both flavor and visual appeal! Chopped strawberries are folded into the gelatin layer, and whole strawberries are used for garnish, adding bursts of natural sweetness and a beautiful fresh touch.
- UNSALTED BUTTER: Melted butter is combined with the graham cracker crumbs to bind them together, forming the perfect crumbly crust that holds its shape.
How to Make Strawberry Lasagna Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is for toasting the graham cracker crumbs, a step that adds extra depth of flavor and crispiness.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour 1⁄2 cup of boiling water. Add the strawberry gelatin powder and whisk vigorously until it is completely dissolved. Ensure there are no lingering granules.
- Stir in 1⁄2 cup of ice-cold water into the gelatin mixture. This helps it cool down quickly and begin to thicken. Set this mixture aside at room temperature to cool and thicken. Do not refrigerate it at this stage, as it might set too quickly and become too firm to whisk with the Cool Whip later.
- Prepare your graham cracker crust. Place the graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until they are crushed into very fine, even crumbs. Consistency is key here for a uniform crust.
- Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs in the food processor. Pulse several more times until the butter is fully combined and the crumbs are moistened evenly. They should resemble wet sand.
- Spread the graham cracker crumb mixture evenly onto a sheet pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the crumbs are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove the crumbs from the oven and set them aside to cool completely. Cooling is essential to prevent them from melting the creamy layers when assembling the trifle.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light, fluffy, and smooth. This may take 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until it is fully combined with the cream cheese and the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Then, gently fold or mix in one 8 oz container of thawed Cool Whip until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping. This forms your creamy cheesecake layer.
- Once the strawberry gelatin mixture has cooled and started to thicken (it should be syrupy, not fully set), gently whisk in another 8 oz container of thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is light, fluffy, and evenly pink.
- Gently fold 4 cups of finely chopped fresh strawberries into the whipped strawberry mixture. This ensures every bite has a delightful burst of fresh fruit.
- Now it’s time to assemble your beautiful trifle! In a large trifle bowl, begin by layering 1⁄3 of the cooled, toasted graham cracker crumbs at the bottom.
- Next, carefully spread about half of the creamy cheesecake mixture over the graham crackers.
- Follow this with half of the whipped strawberry gelatin mixture, spreading it gently to cover the cheesecake layer.
- Repeat the layering process: another 1⁄3 of the graham cracker crumbs, then the remaining cream cheese mixture, and finally the remaining strawberry mixture. Finish with the last 1⁄3 layer of graham cracker crumbs. This creates those beautiful, distinct layers.
- Mound the top of your assembled trifle with generous scoops from the final 8 oz container of Cool Whip. You might not use all of it, depending on your preferred level of topping. For an even prettier presentation, pipe the Cool Whip using a star tip.
- Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to set up properly and for the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, crown your masterpiece with whole, fresh strawberries for a vibrant and inviting finish.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Trifle
Achieving trifle perfection is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! A minimum of 2-3 hours (or even better, overnight) allows all the layers to set properly, intensify in flavor, and makes for cleaner serving. The longer it chills, the better the flavors will meld.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before beating. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in Cool Whip to either the cream cheese or gelatin mixtures, do so gently. Overmixing can deflate the whipped topping, leading to a less airy texture.
- Graham Cracker Sweetness: While the base is naturally sweet, you can add 1⁄2 cup of granulated sugar to the graham cracker crumb/butter mixture for a sweeter crust.
- Strawberry Placement: We recommend mixing the chopped strawberries into the whipped strawberry layer for even distribution. However, if you prefer a more defined look, you can layer strawberry slices between the cheesecake and strawberry gelatin layers. This makes the fruit more visible from the outside of the trifle bowl.
- Fresh Garnish: Rinse and pat dry fresh strawberries just before adding them to the top. Ensure there is no excess moisture, as water drips can affect the whipped topping.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store your Strawberry Lasagna Trifle tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the textures may start to soften, though it will still be edible.
Absolutely! This trifle is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, until you are ready to serve. In fact, making it ahead of time allows the graham cracker crumbs to soak in the flavors and become wonderfully soft, enhancing the overall texture and taste. Just add your fresh strawberry garnish right before serving.
Yes, you can freeze this trifle to extend its freshness, though the texture might change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, assemble the trifle in a freezer-friendly container, ensuring it’s tightly covered with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The graham cracker crust might become softer, but the flavors will still be delightful.
While strawberry is a classic choice, feel free to experiment! You could easily swap strawberry Jell-O for raspberry, cherry, or even lemon. Pair with corresponding fresh fruits or a mix of berries for a delightful twist. For example, a lemon Jell-O with blueberries makes a fantastic lemon blueberry trifle!
A clear glass trifle bowl is ideal as it beautifully showcases all the vibrant layers of your dessert. If you don’t have one, any large clear glass bowl or even individual parfait glasses can work wonderfully for single servings. The key is to see those gorgeous layers!
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Lasagna Trifle is a showstopper on its own, but a few touches can elevate its presentation even further. For a truly elegant finish, garnish the top with some fresh strawberries, perhaps with their stems still attached, for a natural and vibrant pop of color. To serve, simply scoop generous portions into individual bowls or delicate parfait dishes, allowing each guest to appreciate the beautiful layers. It’s an impressive-looking dessert that’s perfect for almost any occasion where you want to delight your guests without much fuss. Think Easter celebrations, festive baby showers, laid-back potlucks, or joyous family reunions. Its light and refreshing character makes it particularly suitable for celebrations during the spring and summer months.
More Delightful Trifle Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this Strawberry Lasagna Trifle, you’re in for a treat! Trifles are incredibly versatile and offer endless possibilities for flavor combinations. Explore some of our other favorite trifle recipes that are sure to impress:
- Jello Trifle
- Classic English Trifle
- Decadent Tiramisu Trifle
- Comforting Carrot Cake Trifle
- Refreshing Mixed Berry Trifle
- Zesty Lemon Blueberry Trifle
- Indulgent Chocolate Lasagna Trifle
- Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
- Bright Lemon Lush Trifle
I absolutely love to bake and cook, and sharing my kitchen experiences and delicious recipes with all of you brings me so much joy! Remembering to come back each day for new recipe inspiration can be tough, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes directly in your inbox!
Strawberry Lasagna Trifle
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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Ingredients
- 3 oz strawberry gelatin
- ½ cup boiling water
- ½ cup ice water
- 14.4 oz graham crackers 1 whole box
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 24 oz Cool Whip 3 – 8 oz containers, thawed
- 4 cups strawberries chopped, plus more for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Trifle bowl
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Food processor
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Hand mixer
Before You Begin
- Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can make this trifle a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, until you are ready to serve. Making it ahead of time will allow the graham cracker crumbs to soak in the flavors and become nice and soft.
- You could layer the strawberry pieces (or make slices) between the cheesecake layer and the strawberry gelatin layer rather than mixing the chopped strawberries into the whipped strawberry layer. Having them mixed in makes them less visible when looking at the trifle, BUT it does make it easier to serve and have a nice distribution of strawberry chunks throughout the dessert.
- You may not use all of the final 8 oz. of Cool Whip to top the trifle. It’s up to you and your personal decorating preference.
- Toasting the graham cracker crumbs isn’t necessary – it enhances their flavor a bit and gives them some added crispiness, but it is totally optional. You can also add 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar to the graham cracker crumb/butter mixture to sweeten the crumbs up.
- Rinse and pat dry fresh strawberries just before adding to the top. Be sure there is no excess moisture on the strawberries from rinsing them – you don’t want drips of water to seep into the whipped topping.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Place 1⁄2 cup boiling water in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk in the strawberry gelatin until dissolved.
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Stir the ice cold water into the gelatin mixture and set aside to cool and thicken (do not refrigerate).
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Pulse graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor until completely crushed into fine, even crumbs.
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Add melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs and pulse several more times until fully combined.
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Spread the graham cracker crumb mixture onto a sheet pan and place in the oven to brown for 5-7 minutes.
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Remove crumbs once they are toasted – do not burn. Set aside to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in the powdered sugar until fully combined and smooth. Fold or mix in 1 – 8 oz. container of Cool Whip.
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Whisk another 8 oz. container of Cool Whip into the cooled and thickening strawberry gelatin.
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Gently stir 4 cups of chopped strawberries into the whipped strawberry mixture.
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Build the trifle by layering 1⁄3 of the toasted graham cracker crumbs, then about 1⁄2 of the cream cheese mixture, then 1⁄2 of the strawberry gelatin mixture. Repeat with another layer of graham cracker crumbs, the remaining cream cheese mixture, remaining strawberry mixture, and a final layer of graham cracker crumbs.
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Mound the top of the trifle with big scoops of the final 8 oz. container of Cool Whip (you may not use it all). Chill for 2-3 hours then top with whole, fresh strawberries.
Nutrition
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.