If you are looking for a delightful and refreshing dessert that perfectly balances creamy richness and fresh fruitiness, you have to try this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe. It’s like a layered dream come true, combining a crisp vanilla wafer crust, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a vibrant strawberry gelatin layer bursting with fresh berries. Every bite melts in your mouth with a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. This Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is not only stunning to look at but also wonderfully satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for summer gatherings or anytime you want to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to bring this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe to life. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the buttery vanilla wafer crust that forms a crunchy base, the creamy cheesecake layer that adds richness, or the fresh strawberry topping that delivers a burst of sweetness and color.
- Vanilla wafers (crushed): These create a perfectly sweet and crumbly crust that holds the layers together beautifully.
- Melted butter: Adds richness to the crust and helps it set firmly in the pan.
- Cream cheese: The heart of the cheesecake layer, providing that smooth and tangy creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without graininess.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess to the cheesecake layer.
- Whipped topping: Lightens both the cheesecake layer and the strawberry layer for an airy, delightful texture.
- Strawberry gelatin: Gives the top layer a vibrant color and fruity flavor that ties the dessert together.
- Boiling water: Needed to dissolve the gelatin perfectly.
- Ice cubes: Cool the gelatin mixture quickly so it doesn’t melt the whipped topping.
- Heavy cream: Enriches the strawberry layer and adds lusciousness.
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and fresh texture.
How to Make Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by crushing your vanilla wafers until they’re fine crumbs, then mix them with melted butter to create a sandy, buttery base. Press this mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. This no-bake step is quick but essential because this crunchy foundation will support all those creamy layers above.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Next, beat the cream cheese until it becomes fluffy and smooth—this is key for a creamy texture. Add powdered sugar to sweeten, then mix in sour cream for a little tang. Finally, gently fold in whipped topping to lighten up the mixture. Spread this velvety cheesecake layer evenly over your prepared crust for a rich, dreamy filling.
Step 3: Create the Strawberry Layer
Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until fully combined. Then add ice cubes to cool the gelatin without letting it set just yet. Stir in the heavy cream and folded whipped topping, which makes this layer creamy and luscious rather than firm. Fold in fresh strawberries carefully to keep them whole and vibrant, then spread this fruity topping over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Refrigerate your lasagna for 4 to 6 hours, allowing all the layers to set beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, top with extra whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices for that inviting finishing touch. This chilling step brings everything together for a perfectly cohesive dessert.
How to Serve Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches on top elevates the presentation and taste of your Strawberry Lasagna Recipe. Lightly dolloping whipped cream and decorating with fresh strawberry slices is classic, but a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can add that special wow factor. Plus, these accents amplify the fresh and inviting nature of the dish.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing side such as a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy vanilla helps balance the sweet tartness of the strawberry layers, making every bite harmonious and thoroughly enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests further, try assembling mini individual strawberry lasagnas in clear glasses for a pretty layered effect. Alternatively, use a trifle bowl to showcase the colorful layers. Serving it in individual portions lets everyone enjoy their own gorgeous stack of flavors, making this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe even more fun and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your strawberry masterpiece, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more after sitting overnight!
Freezing
While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Freeze in an airtight container and consume within a month for best quality. When thawing, do so slowly in the fridge to preserve the texture of the layers, especially the whipped topping and fresh strawberries.
Reheating
This strawberry lasagna is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you find yourself with chilled leftovers, simply allow them to sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries only, without the gelatin?
Yes, you can use just fresh strawberries, but the gelatin helps set the top layer so the lasagna holds its shape better. Without it, the dessert will be more like a creamy strawberry parfait.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free versions and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Whipped topping options are also available in dairy-free varieties.
Can I prepare this dessert the day before a party?
Absolutely! This is a perfect make-ahead dessert because it needs several hours to chill and set. Making it the day before only improves the flavors and makes your day-of preparations easier.
How long does this dessert keep well in the fridge?
It stays delicious for up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container or tightly covered. Beyond that, the crust may start to soften and the strawberries lose some freshness.
Can I substitute the vanilla wafers crust with something else?
Sure! Graham cracker crust or crushed shortbread cookies work wonderfully as well. Just mix with melted butter and press down to form the base layer, adjusting sweetness if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is truly a gem that deserves a place in your dessert lineup. Its layers of crunchy, creamy, and fruity textures create a dessert that’s both stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet and fresh, this recipe will never disappoint. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Lasagna is a no-bake layered dessert featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious strawberry gelatin topping with fresh strawberries. Perfect for warm days and gatherings, it’s a refreshing and easy-to-make treat that layers textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafers, crushed
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (additional)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Make the crust: Crush the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and combine thoroughly with the melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a firm cookie crust layer.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using a mixer. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated. Stir in the sour cream to add creaminess, then gently fold in half of the whipped topping to maintain a light texture. Spread this creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
- Create the strawberry layer: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder completely in one cup of boiling water. Cool the gelatin by stirring in ice cubes until the mixture is chilled but not set. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and gently fold it along with the remaining whipped topping into the cooled gelatin mixture. Finally, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and spread this strawberry topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Chill: Place the assembled dessert into the refrigerator and chill for 4 to 6 hours, or until the gelatin topping is firm and the flavors meld together. Before serving, top with additional whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberry slices for an attractive finish.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Ensure the gelatin mixture is cooled before folding in cream to prevent melting the whipped topping.
- Fresh strawberries add great texture and flavor, but frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained.
- This dessert is best served chilled and should be kept refrigerated until ready to eat.
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafers as garnish on top.
