This No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna is a refreshing, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings. With layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cream cheese, sweet strawberry filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s a treat that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, picnic, or simply craving something sweet, this dessert will quickly become your go-to for easy and impressive treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to make: No baking required, and the layers come together quickly for a hassle-free dessert.
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Perfect for summer: The fresh strawberries and light whipped cream make it a refreshing option for hot weather.
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Customizable: You can experiment with different crusts, berries, or even add layers like chocolate for a richer flavor.
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Make ahead: This dessert can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or hosting.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
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2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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¼ cup water
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
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1 ½ cups heavy cream
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
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Fresh strawberries, sliced
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Chocolate shavings (optional)
directions
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
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In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
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Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the other layers.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
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Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
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Stir in vanilla extract.
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Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer
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In a medium saucepan, combine half of the sliced strawberries (about 1 pound) and granulated sugar.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan with the strawberries and sugar.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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Gently fold in the remaining sliced strawberries for extra freshness.
4. Assemble the No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna
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Remove the baking dish with the graham cracker crust from the refrigerator.
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Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the crust.
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Carefully spread the strawberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
5. Chill
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Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
6. Make the Whipped Cream Topping
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In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
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Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Final Touches and Serving
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Before serving, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the strawberry layer.
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Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and chocolate shavings, if desired.
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Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chill time)
Variations
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Crust Alternatives: You can substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed Oreos (without filling) or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
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Berry Mix: Experiment with other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
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Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of chocolate pudding, or drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream topping for a decadent twist.
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Add Jam: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cream cheese and strawberry layers for an extra boost of strawberry flavor.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Make-Ahead: This dessert can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making it ideal for prepping ahead of time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the layers.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make this dessert completely gluten-free.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping, and butter for a dairy-free version of this dessert.
Can I add more fruit to this dessert?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries, kiwi, or mangoes to the strawberry layer for added color and flavor.
How do I prevent the crust from being too crumbly?
If the crust is too crumbly, add more melted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it holds together when pressed.
Conclusion
This No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite fruits and flavors, this dessert will be a hit with your family and friends, making every meal a special occasion.
Print
No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna is a refreshing, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings. With layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cream cheese, sweet strawberry filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s a treat that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, picnic, or simply craving something sweet, this dessert will quickly become your go-to for easy and impressive treats.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup water
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the other layers.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Strawberry Layer: In a medium saucepan, combine half of the sliced strawberries (about 1 pound) and granulated sugar. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan with the strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Gently fold in the remaining sliced strawberries for extra freshness.
- Assemble the No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna: Remove the baking dish with the graham cracker crust from the refrigerator. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the crust. Carefully spread the strawberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
- Make the Whipped Cream Topping: In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
- Final Touches and Serving: Before serving, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the strawberry layer. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and chocolate shavings, if desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Crust Alternatives: You can substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed Oreos (without filling) or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
- Berry Mix: Experiment with other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of chocolate pudding, or drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream topping for a decadent twist.
- Add Jam: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cream cheese and strawberry layers for an extra boost of strawberry flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
