If you have a sweet tooth and love nostalgic flavors with a modern twist, then you absolutely must try this Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe. It’s a show-stopping, layered dessert that combines crunchy Oreo cookie crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and vibrant strawberry gelatin with fresh strawberry slices all stacked together like a decadent lasagna. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and fresh, fruity flavors that make this dish a total crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Trust me, once you dig into this Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe, it will instantly become one of your go-to treats for celebrations or simply whenever you want to feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe truly lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and fruity tang that makes this dessert so irresistible. From the buttery Oreo crust to the fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped layers, these simple staples come together to create magic in every serving.
- 48 Golden Oreo cookies (ground whole with the filling): These form a sweet, buttery crust that acts as the sturdy foundation.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together and adds richness for that perfect crumbly texture.
- 1 oz. freeze dried strawberries (coarsely crushed): Adds a concentrated strawberry crunch to top off the dessert beautifully.
- 32 oz. fresh strawberry (sliced): Brings a burst of freshness and vibrant color throughout the layers.
- 1 (3 oz.) pack strawberry flavored gelatin (like Jell-O): Infuses the strawberry layer with that nostalgic jelly flavor and sets it all nicely.
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection for a dreamy, airy texture.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream layers just right without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances all flavors with a hint of warmth and aroma.
- 12 oz. cream cheese (room temperature): Adds richness and tang, making the filling luxuriously smooth.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (room temperature): Combined with cream cheese for a perfectly silky filling base.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture for balance.
How to Make Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling
Start by combining the sliced fresh strawberries and strawberry Jello powder in a saucepan. Gently stir over medium-low heat just until the gelatin dissolves into the natural juices. This simple step infuses the strawberries with a concentrated strawberry flavor while maintaining a firm texture. It’s key to keep the heat low to avoid turning your berries mushy, ensuring every bite pops with fresh fruity goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Oreo Crust
Next up, grab those Golden Oreos and pulse them into fine crumbs in a food processor, filling included. Mixing in melted butter creates a moist, flavorful base that you press evenly into your dish. Save about a quarter of these crumbs for topping later on. The crust anchors everything perfectly, providing a slightly crunchy contrast that complements the creamy layers.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Whip the cold heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form, then add powdered sugar and continue whipping to stiff peaks. This fluffy whipped cream is essential for that light, cloud-like mouthfeel in the layers. If you’re short on time, Cool Whip can be a convenient substitute, though fresh whipped cream offers unparalleled richness.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Cream together the room temperature butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then gently fold in your prepared whipped cream. This creates a velvety filling that’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced with the lightness of the whipped cream—a true highlight of the Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe.
Step 5: Layer the Dessert
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the Oreo crust and chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to set. Then, layer the cooled strawberry mixture on top and freeze again until firm. Finish by adding the remaining cream cheese filling and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. These chilling steps help the layers meld together beautifully for easy slicing and clean bites.
Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping
For that irresistible finishing touch, combine the reserved Oreo crumbs with the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and sprinkle over the top. This adds a delightful crunch and an extra burst of strawberry flavor that makes the Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe truly memorable every time.
How to Serve Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your strawberry jello lasagna chilled and garnished with a few fresh strawberry slices or even a sprig of mint for a pop of freshness and color. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate also adds an elegant touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This dessert is naturally rich and sweet, so pairing it with something light is perfect. Fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of hot tea make excellent companions to balance the richness of the layers without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe in individual clear parfait glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. You can also make mini versions in small jars or ramekins for easy portioning at parties and potlucks. Either way, the colorful layers will wow your guests before they even get a taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your strawberry jello lasagna, store any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 to 6 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert even after the initial serving.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid it if you want to maintain the texture of the fresh strawberries and whipped layers. Freezing may cause the jelly layer to separate and the whipped cream to lose its fluffiness upon thawing.
Reheating
This Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if it’s been chilled too long.
FAQs
Can I use regular Oreos instead of Golden Oreos?
You can absolutely swap in regular Oreos if you prefer a chocolatey crust. Keep in mind this will change the overall flavor and color, but it can add a lovely contrast to the strawberry layers.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for the cream and cream cheese?
Yes! You can use coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to make the recipe vegan or dairy-free. Just be mindful that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
How long does it take for the strawberry layer to set?
Freezing the strawberry gelatin layer for 10 to 15 minutes should be sufficient for it to firm up nicely before adding the next layer. This step helps keep the layers distinct and neat.
Can I prepare this dessert a day in advance?
This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time—preparing it a day or even two before serving allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to slice and serve this dessert?
Use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps create clean slices without the layers smudging together, showcasing the beautiful Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe layers beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Isn’t it amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable dessert? The Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that brightens any gathering and delights everyone lucky enough to have a slice. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, it’s sure to impress. So grab those Oreos, fresh strawberries, and cream cheese, and dive into the fun of layering up this sweet masterpiece—you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Jello Lasagna is a delightful no-bake layered dessert combining a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, a creamy whipped cream and cream cheese filling, luscious strawberry gelatin-infused fresh strawberries, and a crunchy freeze-dried strawberry topping. Perfectly chilled, this refreshing and colorful dessert serves as a crowd-pleaser for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 48 Golden Oreo cookies – ground whole with the filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter – melted
- 1 oz. freeze dried strawberries – coarsely crushed
Strawberry Filling
- 32 oz. fresh strawberries – sliced
- 1 (3 oz.) pack strawberry flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (divided)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
- 12 oz. cream cheese – room temperature
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry filling: In a large saucepan, combine sliced strawberries with the strawberry Jello powder and stir gently to coat the berries evenly. Heat over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring carefully to dissolve the gelatin in the strawberry juice without cooking the berries too long to prevent mushiness. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Make the crust: Place the whole Golden Oreo cookies with filling into a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Stir in the melted butter until all crumbs are evenly moistened. Reserve ¼ of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch dish. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer to set.
- Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream with 1 teaspoon of vanilla until soft peaks form. Gradually add ¾ cup powdered sugar while continuing to whip to stiff peaks. Set aside. This should yield about 6 to 6½ cups of whipped cream. Alternatively, you can substitute with refrigerated Cool Whip.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the prepared whipped cream, combining thoroughly but without deflating the mixture.
- Assemble the first cream layer: Spread half of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust. Place the dish in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up this layer.
- Add the strawberry layer: Spoon the cooled strawberry filling over the cream cheese layer and smooth the top with a spatula. Return the dish to the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the gelatin has set firmly.
- Top with remaining cream layer: Spread the remaining cream cheese and whipped cream mixture over the strawberry layer, smoothing the surface carefully. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow all layers to set and flavors to meld.
- Prepare the topping: Mix the reserved Oreo crumbs with the coarsely crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly over the top layer just before serving.
- Serve and store: Serve the strawberry jello lasagna chilled directly from the refrigerator. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 6 days.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberries are not overcooked when dissolving the gelatin to maintain texture.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen thawed strawberries can be used but may release more juice.
- Cool Whip may be used as a substitute for freshly whipped cream for convenience.
- Press the Oreo crust firmly to avoid a crumbly base when cutting the dessert.
- Chilling times are important to set the gelatin and cream layers properly.
- This dessert is best served cold and can be stored refrigerated for nearly a week.
