Dreamy No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna: The Ultimate Easy Summer Dessert Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with this no-bake strawberry lasagna – a truly creamy, dreamy, and utterly blissful dessert bursting with the fresh flavors of summer. It’s the perfect easy-to-make treat for any occasion, from casual family dinners to vibrant spring picnics and warm summer barbecues. Forget about turning on your oven; this chilled delight comes together effortlessly, promising a refreshing escape with every spoonful.
Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of crisp graham cracker crust, smooth and tangy cheesecake, and a light, fruity strawberry Jell-O mixture, all generously studded with fresh, juicy strawberries. Topped with a cloud of whipped cream and more bright berries, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious. It’s an absolute showstopper that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact, making it an essential addition to your warm-weather recipe collection.
Why This No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna is Your New Go-To Dessert
This no-bake strawberry lasagna isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its appeal lies in its ingenious combination of textures and flavors, thoughtfully arranged in distinct layers that create a harmonious symphony with every bite. The foundation is a delightful graham cracker crust, providing a buttery, slightly crisp contrast to the creamy layers above. Next, a rich and velvety cheesecake layer brings a decadent tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness.
The star of the show, the strawberry Jell-O mixture, is folded with light and airy Cool Whip and studded with generous amounts of fresh, chopped strawberries. This layer is where the “strawberry bliss” truly comes alive, offering a burst of fruity freshness that is both vibrant and invigorating. Finally, this masterpiece is crowned with a plush layer of whipped cream and a decorative scattering of more fresh strawberries, adding a final touch of elegance and irresistible freshness.
Dessert lasagnas are a favorite in our kitchen, cherished for their ability to feed a crowd and their universal appeal. Our chocolate lasagna is incredibly popular, but this strawberries and cream dessert is destined to be the reigning champion during the warmer months. Its no-bake nature means less time in a hot kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine, making it the ideal choice for any spring or summer gathering. It’s a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also looks spectacular, ensuring it will be the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Lasagna
Crafting this delightful strawberry lasagna requires a few simple, readily available ingredients that combine to create something truly magical. The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility and the straightforward nature of its components. You’ll find all the precise measurements, detailed ingredients, and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card conveniently located at the end of this post. For now, let’s explore the key players that make this dessert so irresistible.
Ingredient Spotlight & Easy Substitutions
Crust Perfection
CRUST – The foundation of our delightful dessert is a classic graham cracker crust. This provides a satisfying crunch and a subtly sweet, buttery flavor that complements the creamy layers beautifully. For best results, ensure your graham crackers are finely ground to create a uniform crust. If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, don’t worry! You can easily substitute them with other finely ground cookies. Golden Oreos, with their sweet vanilla flavor, or rich shortbread cookies make excellent alternatives, offering a slightly different but equally delicious base. Remember to adjust the amount of melted butter slightly if your substitute cookies are oilier or drier than graham crackers.
The Creamy & Fruity Filling
FILLING – This no-bake strawberry lasagna features two incredible inner layers that make it truly special. The first is a luscious, smooth cream cheese cheesecake layer, offering a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the fruit. For the best consistency, ensure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth texture. The second inner layer is a vibrant blend of strawberry Jell-O and airy Cool Whip, generously mixed with freshly diced strawberries. This layer is where the fresh strawberry flavor truly shines through. While Cool Whip is incredibly convenient and provides a wonderfully light texture, you can absolutely opt for homemade whipped cream if you prefer a richer, more natural dairy flavor. Simply whip heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
The Finishing Touch: Topping & Garnish
TOPPING – We keep the top layer simple yet incredibly effective by using another generous portion of Cool Whip, creating a soft, cloud-like finish. Just like the filling, homemade whipped topping is a fantastic alternative if you desire. Once the Cool Whip layer is spread evenly, the final touch is a beautiful garnish of fresh strawberries. Sliced, halved, or even whole berries arranged artfully elevate the visual appeal of this dessert, making it ready for its close-up. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh fruit as a garnish – it adds both beauty and a burst of fresh flavor that completes the experience.
How to Assemble Your Irresistible Strawberry Lasagna
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you visually through the process of making this incredible strawberry lasagna. For your convenience, you can Jump to Recipe to access the complete printable version of this recipe, including precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, located at the bottom of this page.
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To prepare the crust, add the graham crackers to a large food processor. Pulse until they form a very fine, sand-like crumb. With the food processor running on low speed, gradually pour in the melted butter. Continue to process until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. This ensures a firm, cohesive crust.
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Once the graham cracker and butter mixture is thoroughly combined, transfer it into a 9×13 casserole dish. Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, firmly press the mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the dish. This compact layer will be the sturdy base for your lasagna. Place the dish into the freezer while you prepare the remaining layers to allow the crust to firm up properly.
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For the creamy cheesecake layer, take a large mixing bowl and whip together the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth, with no lumps remaining. Then, gently fold in one container of Cool Whip until just combined. Overmixing here can deflate the Cool Whip. Carefully spread this cheesecake mixture into an even layer over your chilled graham cracker crust. Return the dish to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow this layer to set.
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Continue by gently folding the remaining Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, maintaining its light and airy texture. This creates the rich and decadent second layer. Spread this creamy concoction evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. This layer needs time to firm up and meld with the crust, so refrigerate the dish for at least 30 minutes.
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In a separate large bowl, pour the strawberry Jell-O powder and dissolve it completely with boiling hot water, stirring until no granules remain. Allow this mixture to cool on the counter until it reaches close to room temperature. This is crucial as you don’t want the Jell-O to set prematurely. Once cooled and slightly thickened (this usually takes about 5-10 minutes, but avoid refrigerating it during this time), gently fold in one container of Cool Whip. Stir in 3 cups of your fresh chopped strawberries, reserving the remaining cup for garnish later.
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Spread this vibrant strawberry Jell-O and Cool Whip mixture carefully and evenly over the cheesecake layer. This will be your beautiful, fruity middle layer. Once spread, return the dish to the refrigerator for an additional 30-45 minutes. This chilling time is essential for all the layers to firm up and for the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a cohesive and delightful dessert.
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Spread the strawberry Jell-O and Cool Whip mixture carefully and evenly over the cheesecake layer. This will be your luscious, fruity middle layer, packed with fresh strawberry flavor. Return the dish to the refrigerator for another 30-45 minutes to allow this layer to set and firm up properly.
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For the final layer, spread the last container of Cool Whip smoothly and evenly over the set strawberry Jell-O layer. This creates a fluffy, pristine white topping that contrasts beautifully with the red strawberry layers. This top layer will also help seal in the freshness and flavors of your dessert.
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Finally, garnish your strawberry lasagna with the remaining fresh strawberries. You can slice them, halve them, or arrange them in an appealing pattern on top of the Cool Whip layer. Once garnished, place the entire dish back into the refrigerator or freezer for at least a couple of hours. This crucial chilling time allows all the layers to fully set and firm up, ensuring clean, beautiful slices when served. For the cleanest cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Lasagna
No, for this specific strawberry lasagna recipe, you should NOT prepare the strawberry Jell-O according to the instructions on the box. The standard box directions typically call for more water, which would result in a Jell-O layer that is too soft for our layered dessert. We have carefully adjusted the liquid ratios to ensure the Jell-O sets perfectly within our lasagna structure. You can disregard the ingredient amounts it calls for on the back of the box; we have already incorporated the precise amounts of boiling water and cold water you will need directly into the ingredients list of our recipe card below.
Softened cream cheese simply refers to cream cheese that has been brought to room temperature. This is a critically important step for achieving the smooth, creamy consistency desired for your cheesecake layer. If your cream cheese isn’t properly softened, it will be difficult to mix evenly with the powdered sugar and Cool Whip, leading to a lumpy or grainy texture in your cheesecake mixture. These lumps will not disappear during mixing, so proper softening from the start is key. A great rule of thumb to ensure your cream cheese is perfectly softened is to unwrap it, place it on a plate, and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Allow these cubes to sit at room temperature for approximately 20-30 minutes before you begin mixing. This simple preparation step makes all the difference in the final texture of your strawberry lasagna.
Absolutely! This no-bake strawberry lasagna is an excellent make-ahead dessert, making it perfect for parties, holidays, or any event where you want to minimize last-minute kitchen stress. You can assemble the entire lasagna one day in advance. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight often results in firmer, more cohesive layers and a richer, more developed flavor. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from your refrigerator. If you plan to make it more than 24 hours in advance, consider adding the final fresh strawberry garnish just before serving to ensure the berries look their best.
Any leftover strawberry lasagna should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. While you can freeze the assembled lasagna, the texture of the Jell-O and Cool Whip layers might change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, it’s best to wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. If you plan to freeze, consider adding the fresh strawberry garnish only to the portions you plan to serve immediately.
Indulge in the pure joy of this strawberries and cream summer dessert! This strawberry lasagna masterfully combines three distinct, delectable layers: a smooth and tangy cheesecake base, a vibrant strawberry Jell-O blend enriched with airy Cool Whip, and a generous scattering of fresh chopped strawberries throughout. Each layer builds upon the last, culminating in a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any warm-weather celebration. Its effortless preparation and stunning presentation make it an absolute must-try for anyone craving a taste of summer.
Explore More Delightful Strawberry Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries in this lasagna, you’ll be thrilled to discover a world of other amazing strawberry-focused desserts. Strawberries are incredibly versatile, lending their bright, fruity notes to everything from classic baked goods to icy, refreshing treats. Here are some of our other favorite ways to celebrate this beloved berry:
- Strawberry Shortcake: A timeless classic featuring fluffy biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.
- Instant Pot Strawberry Cheesecake: Get that rich, creamy cheesecake texture with the ease of your Instant Pot, infused with strawberry goodness.
- Strawberry Icebox Cake: Another fantastic no-bake option, layering wafers and a sweet, creamy strawberry mixture for an effortlessly elegant dessert.
- Fresh Strawberry Muffins: Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these tender muffins are studded with fresh berries 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: A beautiful layered dessert, similar in concept to our lasagna but presented in a stunning trifle dish.
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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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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
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Food processor
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13×9 baking dish
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Rubber spatula
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Hand mixer
Before You Begin
- If mixing the Jell-O in a glass bowl, be cautious when adding cold water to the hot Jell-O mixture. This rapid temperature change could cause thermal shock and potentially break the glass bowl. Always ensure the hot Jell-O has cooled significantly before adding cold water, or use a non-glass bowl for mixing.
- For true strawberry lovers, feel free to incorporate all four cups of chopped strawberries into the strawberry Jell-O layer for an extra burst of fruitiness. You can then add additional fresh sliced strawberries on top as a garnish to your liking, creating an even more vibrant and berry-filled dessert.
- If you plan to freeze your strawberry lasagna before serving (for long-term storage or an extra firm set), wait to add the fresh strawberry garnish to the very top until after you have sliced and are ready to serve. This will prevent the strawberries from becoming discolored or mushy from freezing.
Instructions
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To a large food processor, add the graham crackers and pulse until a fine crumb is formed. With the processor running on low speed, add the melted butter and continue processing until the crumbs are moist and well combined.14.4 oz graham crackers, 8 Tablespoons butter
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Once combined, pour the contents into a 9×13 casserole dish. Press firmly and evenly to form the crust. Place the dish into the freezer while you assemble the other ingredients, allowing the crust to firm up.
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In a large bowl, whip the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one 8oz container of Cool Whip until just combined. Spread this mixture into an even layer on top of the graham cracker crust and refrigerate for 30 minutes.8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar
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In another large bowl, dissolve the Jell-O powder with boiling hot water, stirring until fully dissolved. As it begins to cool on the counter (the bowl should be close to room temperature), add the cold water.* Once cooled and slightly thickened (about 5-10 minutes – do not refrigerate during this time to prevent it from fully setting), gently fold in one 8 oz container of Cool Whip. Stir in 3 cups of chopped strawberries, reserving the remaining cup for garnish.** Spread this mixture into an even layer on top of the cheesecake layer. Return to the refrigerator to chill for another 30-45 minutes.3 oz strawberry jello mix, 1/2 cup boiling water, 1/2 cup cold water
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Add the last 8 oz container of Cool Whip on top, spreading it into an even layer. Garnish with more fresh strawberries as desired. Freeze or refrigerate the lasagna for a couple of hours to allow all layers to fully set and firm up before serving.
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To get clean cuts when serving, remove the lasagna from the refrigerator/freezer and use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water and wiped dry. Slice and enjoy!
Expert Tips & FAQs
- This dessert is often served most easily and with the best texture if allowed to soften slightly (about 10 minutes) after being removed from the freezer, especially if frozen solid. This will make slicing much smoother and the layers more enjoyable.
- Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and well-softened before mixing. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
- Do not rush the chilling times between layers. Adequate chilling ensures each layer sets properly, preventing them from mixing and providing distinct, beautiful layers when sliced.
- For a bolder strawberry flavor, you can use a few drops of red food coloring in the Jell-O layer, although fresh strawberries provide plenty of natural color and flavor.
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.
This post was originally published here on April 26, 2021. It has been updated with expanded content, more detailed instructions, and additional tips to enhance your cooking experience.