No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
This delicious No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is perfect for a special occasion! This dessert recipe is easy to make ahead and takes barely any effort at all.
As summer rolls on and the days get hotter I know I am always looking for easy no bake recipes to beat the summer heat! This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is always a hit! This is SUCH an easy dessert, but it looks seriously impressive. With four layers (yes, FOUR!) and berries on top, this is a dessert everyone will love at your next potluck or party!
This no-bake dessert features a buttery cookie crust, a creamy no bake strawberry cheesecake layer, vanilla pudding, whipped cream and fresh berries! This is the perfect sweet treat to enjoy poolside or take to a summer cookout. Each layer can be made ahead of time, assembled, and frozen for a sweet treat that doesn’t leave you working in the kitchen when guests are around.
What Ingredients do you need to make No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush?
- Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, Crushed pecans, and Salted butter – These combine for that classic crumbly crust that everyone loves!
- Cream cheese, Whipped cream, Strawberries, and Confectioner’s Sugar – This layer is what gives us most of the delicious flavor in this dessert–Everything else just balances out the richness of this strawberry cheesecake layer.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix and Milk – This thickens up in the freezer and adds an excellent texture sandwiched between the cheesecake layer and whipped cream layer!
- More Whipped Cream – This light layer of whipped topping just sets it all over the edge! You can use fresh, homemade whipped cream or a store-bought container if that’s easier for you.
- Fruit – Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more to top your delicious dessert! Make a fun design or toss it all on like a free-for-all.
How do you make a No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush?
This dessert features four layers and extra berries for top, it is a real show stopper! Here’s a step-by-step guide for making this delicious no-bake dessert.
Make your crust
Start by combining your crushed graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, and salted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until it resembles wet sand, then press into a baking pan. Place the pan in the freezer and allow the crust to set while you work on the next layer.
Add strawberry cheesecake layer
Rinse your mixing bowl, then add in your softened cream cheese, strawberries, confectioners sugar, and part of the whipped cream. Beat (preferably with an electric mixture) until strawberries are incorporated and a smooth cheesecake mixture has formed. Remove the crust from the freezer and spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the crust. Place the pan back into the freezer to let this layer set.
Add vanilla pudding and whipped cream layers
Rince the mixing bowl again, then add one package of vanilla instant pudding mix and the cold milk. Beat over medium speed for about 2 minutes or until the mixture has thickened. Remove the pan from the freezer and spread this pudding layer on top of the cheesecake layer.
Finally, spread the remaining whipped cream on top for a smooth, fourth layer. Place the dish back into the freezer for at least 1 hour or into the fridge for at least 4 hours. This gives all the layers enough time to set so the dessert doesn’t fall apart when you slice it.
Add berries & serve
Remove the pan from the freezer or fridge and add your berries. Slice into 8 even pieces. If it was in the freezer, allow it to sit about 10 minutes to defrost a bit for the best texture, then serve!
Can I freeze this no bake dessert?
Yes, I often get questions about how to make dishes ahead of time. This is very freezer friendly and can be made in advance. If stored in an airtight container in the freezer, you could make it as far as 3 months ahead of time.
Also, if you are taking this to a potluck or summer cookout I suggest freezing overnight. When ready to go simply take it out of the freezer and go. It will thaw on your way and as it sits out, making this the perfect dish for parties.
What are some other easy summer cookout recipes?
If you are like me, you are always searching for quick and easy summer recipes that don’t require an oven. One of my favorite summer recipes is this Sausage and Cabbage Foil Pack, it is easy to make and perfect for the grill! Grill up a bunch of chicken for Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad or make Asian Chicken Kabobs for an easy, satisfying meal.
Another easy summer dish we make is this Fruit Pizza, it is the perfect balance with the sweet shortbread crust and fresh fruit. Some of my other easy summer recipes include:
- Sesame Shrimp Skewers
- No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits
- Sausage and Broccoli Foil Packs
- Zucchini Hummus Wraps
Get the Recipe: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cookie crumbs
- 1/3 cup crushed pecans
- 6 tablespoons Minerva Dairy Sea Salt Butter
Strawberry Cheesecake Layer
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 1 5.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups milk
Topping
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries
- 1 cup strawberries
Instructions
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans and melted Minerva Farms Sea Salt Butter. Stir the crust until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust into an 11×7 baking pan and set in the freezer while you work on the next layer.
- Combine the softened cream cheese, fresh strawberries, confectioners sugar and whipped cream in a large mixing bowl and beat until the strawberries are incorporated and a smooth cheesecake mixture has formed.
- Remove the crust from the freezer and spread the strawberry cheesecake layer evenly over the crust. Place the dish back in the freezer.
- Next, rinse the mixing bowl clean and add one package of vanilla instant pudding mix and two cups of cold milk. Beat over medium speed for 2 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove the dish from the freezer and add the pudding layer.
- Next, add the remaining whipped cream for the topping.
- Place the dish back in the freezer for at least one hour or in the fridge for at least 4 hours to allow the layers time to set.
- Just before serving add the additional berries.
