Strawberry Lush is a no-bake dessert that’s light and fruity! With layers of creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy crust, it’s pretty to look at and tasty too!
Making this is so simple that even I can do it—just mix, layer, and chill! It’s a great treat for hot days or when you want to impress friends without fussing in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These give the dessert a sweet, crunchy base. If you don’t have graham crackers, try using crushed vanilla cookies or even digestive biscuits for a slightly different flavor.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust together. Using salted butter is fine too, just adjust the salt in the recipe slightly to keep the balance.
Cream cheese: This adds a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using a low-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese. Tofutti or cashew cream can be great vegan substitutes!
Whipped topping: Cool Whip is traditional here, but you could whip your own heavy cream instead. For a dairy-free option, choose coconut whipped cream.
Strawberry puree: Fresh strawberries blended into a puree offer the best flavor. If out of season, frozen strawberries work too; just thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing.
Strawberry jelly: If you want to skip jelly, you can use more strawberry puree mixed with a bit of sweetener for a healthier touch, or even another fruit spread you enjoy.
How Do I Whip Cream to the Perfect Consistency?
Whipping cream can be tricky, but with a few easy steps, you can master it! The goal is to achieve stiff peaks, which means the whipped cream holds its shape well.
- Start with cold heavy cream for the best volume; chill your mixing bowl if possible.
- Use an electric mixer and beat the cream on a medium speed until it begins to thicken.
- Once soft peaks form, gradually add the granulated sugar. Continue whisking on high until stiff peaks form—don’t overbeat, or it could turn grainy.
With this technique, your whipped cream will be light and fluffy, perfectly complementing your Strawberry Lush!
How to Make Strawberry Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup strawberry puree (made from fresh strawberries)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jelly
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, chopped
- Crushed graham crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Strawberry Lush will take about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 4 hours (or overnight) to chill in the fridge. In no time, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until they’re well combined. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to make an even crust. This will help hold everything together!
2. Bake the Crust:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake the graham cracker crust for about 10 minutes. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. This step is essential so your layers stay put later!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust is cooling, it’s time to make the cream cheese layer! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until everything is combined. Spread this lovely mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
4. Add the Strawberry Layer:
Next up, let’s add some fruity goodness! In another bowl, mix the fresh strawberry puree with the strawberry jelly until it’s nice and smooth. Carefully pour and spread this mixture over the cream cheese layer. It’s going to look delicious!
5. Create the Whipped Cream Layer:
Now, let’s make a fluffy topping. In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream along with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Once that’s done, gently fold in any remaining whipped topping. Spread this whipped cream mixture over the strawberry layer—it’s the icing on the cake!
6. Chill the Dessert:
Cover your baking dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This helps all the layers set beautifully!
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take the dessert out of the fridge. Top it with chopped fresh strawberries and sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for a nice crunch. Cut it into squares, and enjoy your delicious Strawberry Lush!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free cookies instead of graham crackers. You can also experiment with a traditional pie crust—bake it according to package instructions, then follow the layering steps as usual!
Can I Substitute Fresh Strawberries with Frozen Ones?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before making the puree. This will help maintain the right consistency of your strawberry layer.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Strawberry Lush can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing the individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month!
Can I Make This Dessert Vegan?
Sure! To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, use a plant-based whipped topping, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy whipped cream option. Just ensure your graham crackers are vegan-friendly too!
