No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate summer dessert with this No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna! This delightful treat features layers of rich cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy graham cracker crust. It’s a refreshing dessert that’s incredibly easy to whip up and sure to impress at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this strawberry lasagna because it perfectly combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the vibrant freshness of ripe strawberries, all nestled on a sweet, buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a cool and indulgent dessert that requires no baking, making it ideal for those warm days when I crave something light yet satisfying. Plus, it’s so simple to prepare—no complicated steps or long cooking times here! The added sweetness of strawberry jam and the option to garnish with fresh mint give it that extra special touch. Trust me, you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Ingredients

  • 1 package (9 oz) graham crackers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base of your lasagna. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, then set it aside. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust. Layer half of the chopped strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling, then drizzle half of the strawberry jam (if using) over the strawberries for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Next, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the strawberries. Top with the remaining chopped strawberries and drizzle the rest of the strawberry jam on top. If you like, add a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves for a fresh finish.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the lasagna with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the dessert set. Once chilled, slice it into squares and serve it cold.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4+ hours
  • Total Time: 4+ hours (including chill time)
  • Servings: 12 servings
  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Variations

  • Add Other Fruits: While strawberries are the star, feel free to swap them out for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist!
  • Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another suitable base.
  • Lighter Version: Consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or swap some of the heavy cream for a lighter whipped topping to cut down on calories.

Storage/Reheating

To store any leftovers, simply cover the lasagna with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. It’s just as delicious when enjoyed cold the next day!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries offer the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones if that’s what you have. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! I love making this strawberry lasagna a day or two in advance. It actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a while, allowing the flavors to meld.

What if I don’t have graham crackers?
No graham crackers? No problem! You can use other cookies, like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies, to create a similar crust.

Is it possible to make this without whipped cream?
While I prefer the texture that whipped cream brings, you can substitute it with a whipped topping or even omit it for a denser, cheesecake-like texture. Just adjust the consistency by adding a bit more cream cheese or powdered sugar.

Can I add a layer of chocolate?
Yes! For a fun twist, feel free to add a thin layer of chocolate ganache or melted chocolate between the cream cheese layers for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna is one of those desserts that feels like a special treat but is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a hit for gatherings or simply a refreshing sweet snack when I need something indulgent yet light. The no-bake nature and fresh ingredients make it a fantastic choice for warm-weather occasions, and I love how versatile it is with different fruit and flavor variations. Whether I’m preparing it for a holiday, a family dinner, or just because, it’s always a crowd-pleaser! 🍓✨

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