Oh, honey, pull up a chair and let’s talk about this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush. Just saying the name makes my mouth water! I remember the first time I made it. It was for a summer potluck, and I was so nervous! I’d seen a similar Cheesecake Layer Dessert in a magazine, all perfect layers and glistening strawberries.
Mine? Let’s just say the graham cracker crust was a crumbly mess, and the cream cheese layer was a little… lumpy. But you know what? Everyone loved it! They were scraping the pan clean. That’s when I realized that sometimes, the most imperfect dishes are the most delicious. It’s all about the taste, the love you put into it, and the memories you make.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush has become a staple in our family, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something sweet but don’t have a ton of time. It’s a super easy No Bake Strawberry Dessert that the whole family enjoys. After a few tweaks and some kitchen mishaps (we’ve all been there, right?), I finally perfected my own version, and I’m so excited to share it with you! It’s creamy, dreamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor – truly the Strawberry Cream Cheese Dessert of your dreams. Come on, let’s get started, you’re going to love it! I know the idea of layering something so pretty can be daunting, but trust me, it’s way easier than it looks.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert:
- 1 package (11-12 oz) Golden Oreo cookies, finely crushed (about 2 1/2 cups) I always use Golden Oreos for my Strawberry Cheesecake Lush because they add a lovely sweetness and subtle vanilla flavor that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted For the best results with your Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, make sure your butter is completely melted.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened I always use the brick cream cheese, not the whipped kind, for my Strawberry Cheesecake Lush.
- 1 cup powdered sugar I sift my powdered sugar for my Strawberry Cheesecake Lush to avoid lumps!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract I always use pure vanilla extract for my Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, it makes a difference!
- 1 (8 ounce) container of whipped topping, thawed Store bought is just fine! I look for deals on this when making my Strawberry Cheesecake Lush.
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry gelatin I always keep a couple of boxes of this on hand when I’m making Strawberry Cheesecake Lush.
- 1 cup boiling water You need to get the jello to dissolve for the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush to work.
- 1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling You can find this at most grocery stores in the baking aisle, I always check the expiration date when making Strawberry Cheesecake Lush.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish (optional) I love to buy fresh strawberries at the local farmers market to make this delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Lush.
Shopping Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
When making Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, you can often find the best deals on the ingredients at your local grocery store, especially when strawberries are in season. Stock up! When strawberries are out of season, frozen works just fine.
Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Trick
Here’s a Strawberry Cheesecake Lush trick I learned from my mom: crush the Golden Oreos in a food processor for the most even crumb texture. If you don’t have one, just put them in a ziplock bag and whack them with a rolling pin!
Cost-Saving Tips for Ingredients
Buy the store-brand cream cheese and whipped topping. No one will know the difference in this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, I promise!
Storage Tips for Leftover Ingredients
Store the Golden Oreos in an airtight container to keep them fresh for future Strawberry Cheesecake Lush creations. Unused gelatin can be stored in a cool, dry place.
How to Make – Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreo cookies and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is the foundation of our Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, so make sure it’s nice and even!
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until well combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Don’t worry if your Strawberry Cheesecake Lush cream cheese layer isn’t perfectly smooth.
- Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly before moving to the next step. I learned the hard way with *Strawberry Cheesecake Lush* that if you pour hot gelatin over the cream cheese layer, it will melt and you’ll have a soupy mess!
- Add the Strawberry Layer: Carefully spoon the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Then, gently pour the cooled strawberry gelatin over the pie filling. Try to distribute it evenly. In my kitchen, *Strawberry Cheesecake Lush* usually takes about 10-15 minutes to set in the fridge.
- Chill and Finish: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush to set completely. Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top of the *Strawberry Cheesecake Lush*. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, if desired. While the *Strawberry Cheesecake Lush* is chilling, I usually do some dishes and catch up on my favorite show. It gives me something to look forward to!
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the *Strawberry Cheesecake Lush* into squares and serve chilled. Your *Strawberry Cheesecake Lush* should smell like sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake!
Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Cooking Tips
Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother cream cheese layer.
Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Concerns
If your gelatin doesn’t seem to be setting, don’t panic! Just give it a little more time in the refrigerator. It will eventually set up!
Family-Tested Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Shortcuts
I sometimes buy pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs to save time when making the crust for this Layered Dessert Recipe.
Serving Suggestions
The kids love our Strawberry Cheesecake Lush when I serve it with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of Golden Oreo crumbs. It turns a simple dessert into something extra special! This Cheesecake Layer Dessert is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator. The cool, creamy layers are so refreshing, especially on a hot day.
My go-to side dish to pair with Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is a simple cup of coffee or tea. The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the dessert perfectly. This Strawberry Lush Dessert is perfect for summer potlucks, family barbecues, or even just a weeknight treat. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Dessert is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even a special weeknight treat. It’s so easy to transport and always a hit! For presentation, I like to use a pretty glass dish so you can see all the beautiful layers of this No Bake Strawberry Dessert. It adds a touch of elegance to the dessert.
If you have extra Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days, but honestly, it never lasts that long in our house! I’ve tried adding blueberries or raspberries to the *Strawberry Cheesecake Lush* for a fun twist. It’s a great way to use up whatever berries you have on hand!
My friends always ask for this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush recipe after trying it at our get-togethers. It’s become my signature dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Lush:
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
A: Absolutely! You can use graham crackers, chocolate wafers, or even vanilla wafers for the crust. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter accordingly. You know what I do when my Strawberry Cheesecake Lush calls for graham crackers? I’ll use chocolate graham crackers, but that’s just me.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush. I prefer fresh when they are in season because they tend to be sweeter.
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Definitely! In fact, I recommend making it at least 4 hours ahead of time, or even the day before, to allow the layers to set properly. This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush gets even better the longer it sits in the fridge!
Q: Can I use sugar-free gelatin?
A: Yes, you can use sugar-free gelatin to reduce the sugar content of the dessert. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of your Strawberry Cheesecake Lush. I’ve made this mistake before, and it definitely affected the taste.
Q: My crust is too crumbly, what did I do wrong?
A: You may not have used enough melted butter. Try adding a tablespoon or two more until the crumbs are moistened enough to hold together. I’ve done this many times with my Strawberry Cheesecake Lush.
Q: My cream cheese layer is lumpy, how can I fix it?
A: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature before mixing it with the powdered sugar and vanilla. If it’s still lumpy, you can try beating it with an electric mixer for a longer period of time until it’s smooth. Sometimes I find if you let the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush sit out for about 20 minutes it softens up and works better.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You sure can! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to make a bigger Strawberry Cheesecake Lush. My family will be so happy when I do!
My Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a reminder of family gatherings, summer potlucks, and the simple joy of sharing something sweet with loved ones. It’s a dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, and I hope it brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine.
My Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Pro Tips:
- Don’t overmix the cream cheese layer: Overmixing can cause it to become too thin and watery.
- Let the gelatin cool slightly: Pouring hot gelatin over the cream cheese layer will melt it.
- Chill the dessert thoroughly: This allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld together.
I’ve tried a few different variations of this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush. One time, I added a layer of sliced bananas between the cream cheese and strawberry layers. It was a delicious addition! I’ve also added chocolate shavings on top for a more decadent Strawberry Lush Dessert. The possibilities are endless! One family member absolutely *loves* the version with raspberries mixed into the strawberry pie filling. Another prefers it with a chocolate cookie crust. There’s really no wrong way to make this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this Cheesecake Layer Dessert your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own unique twist, I hope this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dessert becomes a cherished part of your family’s traditions. I hope this becomes a favorite of yours, too! It’s so good!
Give this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush a try, and let me know what you think! I am sure you will love it just as much as my family does! Here’s another great strawberry recipe if this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is not enough: Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake. Here is another recipe you might like: Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
External Links:
Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is a layered dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping. It’s the perfect no-bake treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, pecans, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Assemble the Lush: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust. Top with the strawberry pie filling.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Garnish with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of chopped pecans before serving for an extra touch.