Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No baking required: Ideal for warm days or when you want a quick dessert without turning on the oven.
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Simple ingredients: Requires only seven common ingredients.
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Serves a crowd: Its generous size makes it perfect for parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Strawberry gelatin
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Unsalted butter
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Cream cheese
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Cool Whip
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Graham crackers
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Powdered sugar
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Fresh strawberries
Directions
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Prepare the strawberry layer: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, add cold water, and let it cool for 15 minutes. Stir in one container of Cool Whip, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Freeze for about 15 minutes.
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Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then blend in one container of Cool Whip.
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Assemble the layers: Spread the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust, followed by the strawberry gelatin layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Add toppings: Before serving, spread the remaining container of Cool Whip over the top and garnish with chopped fresh strawberries.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 12
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Chill Time: At least 4 hours
Variations
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Flavor swaps: Substitute strawberry gelatin with other flavors like raspberry or cherry for a different twist.
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Crust alternatives: Use Golden Oreos or butter cookies instead of graham crackers for a sweeter base.
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Homemade whipped cream: Replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as the gelatin layer may become watery upon thawing.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make this dessert?
You can prepare this dessert up to a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of homemade whipped cream for Cool Whip.
What can I use if I don't have graham crackers?
Golden Oreos, butter cookies, or vanilla wafers make excellent substitutes for the graham cracker crust.
Can I use sugar-free gelatin?
Yes, sugar-free gelatin can be used without affecting the texture of the dessert.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I add fresh strawberries to the gelatin layer?
It's best to add fresh strawberries as a topping rather than mixing them into the gelatin layer to maintain the desired texture.
How do I ensure clean slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to achieve neat slices.
Can I make this dessert in a smaller dish?
You can halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch dish for a smaller version.
What if my strawberry layer is too runny?
Ensure the gelatin mixture is adequately chilled before layering and allow the assembled dessert to set for at least 4 hours.
Can I add other fruits to this dessert?
While strawberries are traditional, you can experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries as toppings.
Conclusion
No Bake Strawberry Lasagna is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Its layers of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry gelatin, and fluffy whipped topping create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
No Bake Strawberry Lasagna
No Bake Strawberry Lasagna is a creamy, fruity dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe features a graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, a sweet strawberry gelatin layer, and whipped cream topping, all without the need for baking. It's a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead treat that's ideal for warm days, parties, or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Serves approximately 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 package strawberry gelatin
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 container Cool Whip (8 oz)
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
Instructions
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Prepare the strawberry layer: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in 1 cup cold water and let it cool for 15 minutes. After cooling, fold in 1 container of Cool Whip. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish. Freeze the crust for 15 minutes to set.
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Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Fold in the remaining Cool Whip and mix well.
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Assemble the lasagna: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Then, layer the strawberry gelatin mixture on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
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Add the topping: Before serving, spread the remaining Cool Whip over the strawberry layer and garnish with fresh, chopped strawberries.
Notes
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For best results, chill the lasagna overnight to allow the flavors to set.
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If you prefer homemade whipped cream, you can substitute Cool Whip.
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Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free graham crackers.
No Bake Strawberry Lasagna is a creamy, fruity dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe features a graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, a sweet strawberry gelatin layer, and whipped cream topping, all without the need for baking. It's a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead treat that's ideal for warm days, parties, or family gatherings.
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