Description
Strawberry Lush is a delightful no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery Golden Oreo crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, a light strawberry gelatin whipped topping, and fresh strawberries on top. Perfect for warm days or when you want a simple yet elegant sweet treat that requires no oven time.
Ingredients
Crust
- 24 Golden Oreos
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- Butter or shortening, melted (for greasing)
Gelatin Layer
- 1 Box strawberry gelatin (3-Ounce)
- ¾ Cup boiling water
- ½ Cup ice cold water
- 24 Ounces whipped topping (thawed, divided into thirds)
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 Ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 Cup powdered sugar
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- Another third of whipped topping
Topping
- Remaining whipped topping (one third)
- 16 Ounces fresh strawberries, diced
Instructions
- Grease: Grease the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or pan with melted butter or shortening to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the Crust: Crush the Golden Oreos in a food processor at high speed until fine. While running the processor at low speed, slowly add the melted butter until the crumbs start to clump together.
- Press: Pour the crust mixture into the greased pan and firmly press it into the bottom to form an even layer.
- Freeze: Freeze the crust for at least 20 minutes or until it is firm and set.
- Prepare Gelatin Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the strawberry gelatin with boiling water until completely dissolved. Slowly whisk in the cold water to cool and dilute the gelatin mixture.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in one-third of the thawed whipped topping into the gelatin mixture to keep it light and airy. Place this mixture in the refrigerator while preparing the cheesecake layer.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Whipped Topping to Cheesecake: Mix in another third of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture at low speed until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Layers: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the frozen crust and smooth the surface.
- Mix Gelatin Mixture: Remove the gelatin-whipped topping mixture from the fridge and stir gently to re-incorporate any separated gelatin settled at the bottom.
- Pour Gelatin Layer: Pour the gelatin whipped topping mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, spreading gently if needed.
- Chill: Cover the entire dessert with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin layer is fully set.
- Add Final Toppings: Once set, spread the remaining third of whipped topping over the top layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Top with Strawberries: Garnish with freshly diced strawberries just before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- Do not overmix the whipped topping to keep it light and fluffy.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and appearance.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, chill in freezer for longer than 20 minutes before adding filling.
- This dessert is best served within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American