Get ready to indulge in a dessert that feels like a fresh, fruity dream with every bite! This Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is a delightful no-bake treat, layered beautifully with a buttery crust, creamy cheese filling, luscious whipped cream, and juicy, sweet strawberries. It’s colorful, refreshing, and offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make you want to serve it again and again. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or craving a simple yet impressive dessert, this strawberry dessert lasagna has got you covered!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you; these ingredients are straightforward and work together to create that signature luscious texture and vibrant flavor. Each component, from the buttery crust to the fresh strawberries, adds an important element to this deliciously layered treat.
- Golden Oreos or graham crackers (12 oz, crushed): Provides a sweet, crunchy foundation that holds the whole dish together.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Binds the crust crumbs, adding richness and a smooth texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Offers a creamy, tangy layer that balances sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup and ¼ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese and whipped cream layers without grit.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the creamy layers.
- Heavy cream (1 ½ cups + 2 cups): Whipped into fluffy peaks for those dreamy layers that melt in your mouth.
- Fresh strawberries (4 cups, hulled and sliced): The star of the show, bringing bright color and juicy sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Helps the strawberries release their natural syrup and enhances their flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp, optional): Adds a little zing that lifts the strawberry layer beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining your crushed Golden Oreos or graham crackers with the melted butter. This step is all about creating a sturdy yet delicious base. Press the mixture evenly into your baking dish and pop it in the fridge to chill. This crust adds that wonderful, slightly crunchy texture that’s essential for contrast against the creamy layers.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Now let’s get creamy! Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to keep it light and airy. Spread this dreamy layer over your chilled crust as the decadent middle ground of your dessert.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
Toss your fresh, sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and the optional lemon juice. Letting them macerate for 10-15 minutes unlocks their juices, creating a natural, flavorful syrup that adds a lovely moisture and brightness to the dessert.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Layer
Whip the remaining heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get those soft, fluffy peaks that hold their shape. This layer is the crowning glory that adds extra lightness and a touch of elegance when spread over the cream cheese.
Step 5: Assemble the Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Once the whipped cream is ready, spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then lovingly arrange the macerated strawberries on top in a generous layer to showcase their vibrant red color and juicy sweetness, creating that signature look and taste that makes this lasagna so special.
Step 6: Chill
Patience is key! Pop your strawberry lasagna into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time lets all the layers set beautifully, allowing the flavors to marry and the textures to become perfectly cohesive.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice up your chilled Strawberry Lasagna Recipe like you would a classic lasagna and watch everyone’s eyes light up. The creamy, fruity layers make for a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Top off your dessert with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of crushed Golden Oreos, or a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. These simple touches elevate presentation and add a touch of extra flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
This strawberry lasagna shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like a crisp green salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy experience. For something different, a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade complements the strawberry brightness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress even more, serve this dessert in individual glass cups or mason jars layered beautifully so everyone gets a perfect cross-section of all the layers. It’s perfect for parties or to make your loved ones feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Strawberry Lasagna well covered in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days to ensure freshness and maintain the delicate texture of the whipped layers and strawberries.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because the layers can separate and the texture of the whipped cream changes, you can freeze the crust and cream cheese layer separately if needed. Just assemble fresh strawberries and whipped cream when ready to serve.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to soften the layers slightly without losing that cool refreshing quality.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best as they maintain their texture and flavor. Frozen berries tend to release too much liquid when thawed, which can make the layers watery.
How do I soften the cream cheese quickly?
To soften cream cheese fast, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it in short bursts of 10 seconds, stirring in between to avoid melting.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with suitable dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, keeping in mind slight changes in texture and flavor.
Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?
Absolutely. You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly in both the cream cheese and whipped cream layers and omit the granulated sugar on the strawberries if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.
How long can I leave this dessert out before serving?
Because it contains dairy and fresh fruit, it’s best to keep this dessert refrigerated and only leave it out for about 30 minutes before serving to maintain its freshness and safety.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is truly one of those desserts that brings smiles with every layer. It’s fresh, creamy, and easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to wow any crowd. So gather your ingredients, whip up this sweet treat, and get ready to create a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Lasagna is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring a buttery crushed Golden Oreo or graham cracker crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, fresh macerated strawberries, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. This cool, refreshing treat is perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave a light, fruity, and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package (about 12 oz) Golden Oreos or graham crackers, crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Strawberry Layer
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Golden Oreos or graham crackers with melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the other layers.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip 1 ½ cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, keeping it light and airy. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Prepare the strawberry layer: Toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and optional lemon juice in a bowl. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes so they release natural juices and create a syrupy texture.
- Make the whipped cream layer: Whip 2 cups of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped cream evenly over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Assemble the lasagna: Arrange the sweetened strawberries evenly over the whipped cream layer, layering generously to cover the surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled strawberry lasagna for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the layers to set properly and flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Slice the chilled strawberry lasagna into portions and serve cold. Enjoy this creamy, sweet, and fresh dessert!
Notes
- You can substitute graham crackers for Golden Oreos for a different flavor base.
- Letting strawberries macerate with sugar increases sweetness and juiciness.
- Chilling overnight enhances texture and flavor integration.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- For a slightly tangy flavor, do not omit the optional lemon juice in the strawberry layer.
