Description
Strawberry Lasagna is a delightful no-bake layered dessert combining a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a luscious strawberry gelatin topping with fresh strawberries. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped cream, this refreshing treat is ideal for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a light and fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafers, crushed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (reserved from cheesecake layer)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Make the crust: Crush vanilla wafers finely and mix thoroughly with melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a solid crust layer.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Stir in sour cream until blended, then gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping to maintain lightness. Spread this creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust layer.
- Create the strawberry layer: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powders in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add ice cubes to cool the mixture quickly to room temperature. Stir in heavy cream and then fold in the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping to achieve a creamy consistency. Finally, fold in sliced fresh strawberries. Spread this strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Chill: Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or until fully set. When ready to serve, garnish the top with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices for an appealing finish.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin mixture is completely cooled before adding heavy cream and whipped topping to prevent curdling.
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Press the crust firmly to prevent it from falling apart when slicing.
- For best results, chill the dessert overnight to allow layers to set perfectly.
- Fresh strawberries should be washed and sliced just before layering for maximum freshness.
