No-Bake Strawberry Delight Recipe

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 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No-Bake Convenience: Prepare a delectable dessert without heating up your kitchen.
  • Fresh and Fruity: Loaded with fresh strawberries, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
  • Creamy Layers: Combines a smooth cheesecake filling with light whipped cream for a delightful texture contrast.
  • Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 lbs fresh strawberries, washed and dried
  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan to form an even layer. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.

  2. Prepare the Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries. Set aside about 1 cup of the smallest pieces for the filling and reserve the rest for layering.

  3. Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add ½ cup powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

  4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gently fold in half of the prepared whipped cream until smooth.

  5. Create the Strawberry Layer: Take half of the cheesecake mixture and fold in the strawberry gelatin powder and the 1 cup of diced strawberries until well incorporated.

  6. Assemble the Layers:

    • Spread the plain cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust.
    • Add a layer of sliced strawberries.
    • Top with the strawberry-infused cheesecake mixture.

  7. Top with Whipped Cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top layer.

  8. Chill: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

  9. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 9-12 slices
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

  • Fruit Alternatives: Substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.
  • Crust Options: Use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
  • Lighter Version: Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to decrease the calorie content.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.

FAQs

What is Strawberry Delight?

Strawberry Delight is a no-bake layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake layers, and whipped cream. It’s also known as a dessert lush or lasagna.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dessert’s texture.

Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until serving.

Can I substitute the strawberry gelatin?

If strawberry gelatin isn’t available, you can use freeze-dried strawberries ground into a powder for natural flavoring.

What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?

Crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies make excellent alternatives.

How do I ensure the whipped cream stays firm?

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to help achieve stiff peaks that hold their shape.

Can I add other fruits to this dessert?

Certainly! Feel free to incorporate other berries or even a mix of fruits for a more diverse flavor.

What if I don’t have a 9×9-inch pan?

A similar-sized pan, such as an 8×8-inch or a 7×11-inch dish, can be used. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly if needed.

How long should I let the dessert chill before serving?

A minimum of 4 hours is recommended to allow the layers to set properly, but overnight chilling is ideal for best results.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, store-bought whipped topping can be used as a convenient substitute for homemade whipped cream.

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No-Bake Strawberry Delight

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9-12 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Indulge in the refreshing layers of this No-Bake Strawberry Delight, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy no-bake cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and homemade whipped cream. This easy, make-ahead dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave a sweet treat without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

  • 2 lbs fresh strawberries, washed and dried
  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

For the Strawberry Layer:

  • 2 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin powder
  • 1 cup diced strawberries (from the 2 lbs above)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Crust:

    • Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened.
    • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan.
    • Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

  • Prepare the Strawberries:

    • Hull and slice the strawberries.
    • Set aside 1 cup of the smallest pieces for the filling, reserving the rest for layering.

  • Make the Whipped Cream:

    • In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
    • Add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
    • Set aside.

  • Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

    • In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
    • Add granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
    • Gently fold in half of the whipped cream until smooth.

  • Create the Strawberry Layer:

    • Take half of the cheesecake mixture and fold in the strawberry gelatin powder and the diced strawberries.

  • Assemble the Layers:

    • Spread the plain cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust.
    • Add a layer of sliced strawberries.
    • Top with the strawberry-infused cheesecake mixture.

  • Top with Whipped Cream:

    • Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top layer.

  • Chill & Serve:

    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
    • Garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired.
    • Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Fruit Alternatives: Swap strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries.
  • Crust Options: Try crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.
  • Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and a lower-calorie whipped topping.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

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