If you have a sweet tooth and crave something delightfully cool and creamy, this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a crowd-pleaser that layers flavors and textures beautifully—from the buttery vanilla wafer crust to the luscious cheesecake layer, topped with a dreamy strawberry gelatin mixture packed with fresh berries. Every bite feels like a celebration of spring and summer, making this no-bake dessert a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each selected to build a symphony of flavor and texture. These simple components come together in layers that delight the eye and the palate, making the prep surprisingly effortless yet highly rewarding.
- Vanilla wafers (crushed): They form a sweet, crunchy base that keeps the layers stable.
- Melted butter: Helps bind the crust together for that perfect crispness.
- Cream cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture essential to the cheesecake layer.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without graininess, blending smoothly.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang that balances the dessert’s richness.
- Whipped topping: Used in both cheesecake and strawberry layers to add lightness and fluff.
- Strawberry gelatin: Infuses a sweet, fruity flavor that ties the whole dessert together.
- Boiling water: Necessary to dissolve the gelatin perfectly.
- Ice cubes: Cool the gelatin quickly to prepare it for the creamy layer.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the strawberry gelatin layer.
- Fresh strawberries: Bring natural sweetness, color, and texture, making the dessert irresistibly fresh.
How to Make Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the crust
The first step to this dreamy dessert is creating a buttery crust that acts like a sturdy foundation. Start by crushing vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and mixing them thoroughly with melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread and compact. This sets the stage for those luscious layers to come.
Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake layer
Next, the cheesecake layer brings a smooth and creamy contrast to the crust. Beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Incorporate sour cream for that slight tang and fold in whipped topping gently to keep the texture airy. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the cookie crust, creating a silky middle layer that begs to be tasted immediately.
Step 3: Create the strawberry layer
The crowning glory of the Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is its vibrant strawberry gelatin layer. Start by dissolving strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then cool it down quickly by stirring in ice cubes. Once the gelatin is cool but not set, fold in heavy cream and whipped topping to add a creamy element. Finally, gently stir in fresh strawberries—these little bursts of natural sweetness make all the difference. Spread this gorgeous strawberry mixture on top of the cheesecake layer, completing the layered masterpiece.
Step 4: Chill until set
To bring everything together and allow the flavors to meld, refrigerate your strawberry lasagna for at least 4 to 6 hours. This chilling step lets the gelatin set firmly while giving the crust and cheesecake layer time to meld into a cohesive, sliceable dessert ready to impress.
How to Serve Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to serve, presentation matters as much as flavor. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on each slice to enhance the creamy elements and garnish with fresh strawberry halves or slices for a fresh, colorful touch. A sprinkle of chopped mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also make your serving look effortlessly elegant.
Side Dishes
While this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe shines all on its own, pairing it with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or a citrus sorbet can balance the richness and elevate your entire meal experience. This dessert is a great way to end summery lunches or festive dinners on a sweet and satisfying note.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests even more? Serve your strawberry lasagna in individual clear glasses or parfait cups to showcase the beautiful layers. You could also cut it into small squares and arrange them attractively on a dessert platter for easy sharing. The playful layers practically beg to be admired before devouring!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover strawberry lasagna in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining its texture and vibrant flavor—perfect for enjoying a little extra treat the next day.
Freezing
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh because the gelatin’s texture can change when frozen. While you can freeze it, expect the texture to become slightly watered down upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze, wrap it well and thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Since Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is a no-bake chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. It tastes best cold and fresh, so plan to serve it straight from the fridge for that perfect cool creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries are preferred for their vibrant flavor and texture, which make the strawberry layer especially delightful in this recipe.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You could try using mascarpone cheese for a slightly different but equally creamy cheesecake layer. However, cream cheese provides the best balance of tang and richness.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping vanilla wafers for gluten-free cookies or graham crackers, you can easily make a gluten-free version of this strawberry lasagna.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Press the vanilla wafer crust firmly into the pan and chill it briefly before adding the cheesecake layer to help maintain its crispness.
Can I prepare this dessert a day ahead?
Yes, this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe benefits from sitting overnight, allowing the layers to meld beautifully and the gelatin to fully set.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is one of those desserts that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just treating yourself on a sunny afternoon. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how irresistible creamy layers, fresh fruit, and a buttery crust come together in every slice!
Print
Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Lasagna is a delightful no-bake layered dessert featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, a creamy cheesecake middle, and a refreshing strawberry gelatin topping mixed with fresh strawberries. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, this dessert is both visually appealing and deliciously light.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
- 3 cups vanilla wafers, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, divided
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Make the crust: Crush the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly with the melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a firm crust layer. Refrigerate if desired to set while preparing the next layer.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Blend in the sour cream, then gently fold in half of the whipped topping to keep the mixture airy. Spread this creamy cheesecake layer evenly on top of the prepared crust.
- Create the strawberry layer: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder completely in 2 cups of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool by stirring in ice cubes until chilled but not set. Stir in the heavy cream and fold in the remaining whipped topping to create a creamy consistency. Finally, carefully fold in the sliced fresh strawberries. Spread this strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for 4 to 6 hours, or until the gelatin layer is fully set. Before serving, top the strawberry lasagna with additional whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- For best results, use fresh ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness and texture.
- This dessert should be kept refrigerated and is best served chilled.
- Can be prepared a day ahead to save time; the flavors meld well overnight.
- Substitute light sour cream and whipped topping for a lower-calorie version.
