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
Scale
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.
