Have you ever craved a refreshing dessert that’s both indulgent and effortless to make? Look no further than Strawberries and Cream Lush, a no-bake treat that’s ideal for warm weather or spontaneous get-togethers. This layered dessert combines a nutty cookie crust with a sweetened cream cheese layer, silky vanilla pudding, and fresh strawberries, all topped with a cloud of whipped topping. Each spoonful is a burst of creamy, fruity flavor. Best of all, it requires zero oven time. Perfect for summer, parties, or whenever you need a quick yet luxurious dessert that tastes like sunshine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes:
- No baking required, so it’s ideal for hot days or last-minute gatherings.
- Layered textures from crunchy crust to fluffy topping keep every bite interesting.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing with easy adjustments for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare it in advance and chill until needed.
- Visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed Nilla wafer cookies (or your favorite vanilla cookies)
- 1 cup mixed nuts, finely chopped (pecans or walnuts work great)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large tub (16 oz) Cool Whip, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups cold milk
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced and divided
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Lush
- Prepare the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies and nuts until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse again until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish to form an even crust.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1½ cups of Cool Whip until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Mix the pudding layer: Whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Pour and spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the strawberries: Arrange a generous layer of sliced strawberries over the pudding.
- Top it off: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the strawberries. Garnish with additional chopped strawberries and optional cookie crumbs for extra flair.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the layers set.
Helpful Tips
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Chill before serving to ensure clean, firm slices.
- Slice strawberries evenly for a neater presentation and balanced flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese layer for extra depth.
Substitutions And Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cookies and ensure nuts are processed in a GF-safe facility.
- Nut-free: Skip the nuts and increase the cookie amount to 1½ cups for the crust.
- Fruit swap: Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different seasonal twist.
- Homemade whipped cream: Substitute Cool Whip with fresh whipped cream for a less processed version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the entire dessert up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I freeze this dessert?
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the creamy layers, which can become watery upon thawing.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
Stabilized whipped cream made with heavy cream and powdered sugar is a great alternative.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover strawberries and cream lush covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the dessert chilled and avoid leaving it out for extended periods.
Conclusion
This Strawberries and Cream Lush is your ticket to a no-stress, high-impact dessert that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or simply craving something sweet, this chilled treat delivers in every way. Ready to wow your taste buds? Try this recipe today, leave a comment with your twist, and don’t forget to explore more no-bake dessert wonders on our blog!
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Strawberries and Cream Lush – No-Bake Summer Dessert
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberries and Cream Lush is a no-bake summer dessert made with layers of creamy pudding, sweet strawberries, and cookie crust. Try this easy recipe and share your results!
Ingredients
1 cup crushed Nilla wafer cookies
1 cup mixed nuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
16 oz Cool Whip, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups cold milk
2 (3.4 oz) packs instant vanilla pudding mix
1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
Prepare the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies and nuts until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse again until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish to form an even crust.
Make the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1½ cups of Cool Whip until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the crust.
Mix the pudding layer: Whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Pour and spread over the cream cheese layer.
Add the strawberries: Arrange a generous layer of sliced strawberries over the pudding.
Top it off: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the strawberries. Garnish with additional chopped strawberries and optional cookie crumbs for extra flair.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the layers set.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best results. Make this dessert up to a day in advance. Customize with other fruits or gluten-free cookies if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + Time: 2 hours chilling
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 4g