If there’s one dessert that never fails to impress, it’s a no-bake cheesecake. Add fresh strawberries, a graham cracker crust, and creamy layers of pudding and whipped cream, and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. My No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is the ultimate treat—perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want to indulge in something sweet without turning on the oven.
Why This Recipe Works
I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a slightly crunchy base, while the layers of cream cheese, pudding, and strawberries create a silky, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, it’s completely no-bake, meaning you can whip it up in no time and let the fridge do all the work.
Here’s why this dessert is a must-try:
- No oven required – Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Layers of creamy goodness – Cheesecake filling, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream make this dessert incredibly rich and satisfying.
- Strawberry heaven – Fresh, juicy strawberries add a bright, fruity contrast to the creamy layers.
- Make-ahead friendly – It tastes even better after chilling overnight, making it an easy option for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 12 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 4+ hours)
For the Layers:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or whole graham crackers, crushed)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 1 container Cool Whip)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Extra sliced strawberries
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
1. Prepare the Crust
I start by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Then, I press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish, making sure it’s evenly packed. After that, I pop it in the fridge to set while preparing the layers.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a mixing bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once everything is well combined, I gently fold in 1 cup of whipped cream to lighten up the mixture. Then, I spread this layer evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
3. Prepare the Pudding Layer
For this step, I whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens. It only takes about 2 minutes for the pudding to reach the perfect consistency. Then, I carefully spread it over the cheesecake layer.
4. Add the Strawberry Layer
Next comes my favorite part—the strawberries! I arrange sliced strawberries evenly over the pudding layer, making sure every bite gets a pop of fresh fruit. The strawberries not only add sweetness but also bring a refreshing contrast to the creamy layers.
5. Top It Off With Whipped Cream
I spread the remaining whipped cream over the strawberry layer, making sure to smooth it out evenly. Then, I cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better. This chilling time allows all the layers to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Garnish & Serve
Just before serving, I like to add a little extra flair by topping the dessert with more fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings. It makes the dish look as good as it tastes! Then, I grab a spoon and dive right in.
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
- Make it ahead – This dessert tastes even better when it sits overnight, giving all the flavors time to meld.
- Use fresh strawberries – While frozen strawberries work in a pinch, fresh ones add the best texture and flavor.
- Customize the crust – Swap out graham crackers for crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a different twist.
- Lighten it up – Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the cream cheese to reduce the richness while keeping it creamy.
What to Serve With This Dessert
This no-bake lasagna is a treat on its own, but if I’m serving it at a party, I like to pair it with other light, fruity desserts or refreshing drinks:
- A simple fruit salad with a honey-lime drizzle
- Iced coffee or a vanilla latte for a sweet pairing
- A glass of homemade strawberry lemonade
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries.
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it’s best when chilled overnight, so it’s a perfect make-ahead treat.
Q: What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?
A: You can make a homemade pudding by cooking 2 cups of milk with ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract over medium heat until thickened.
Q: How long does this dessert last in the fridge?
A: It stays fresh for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for the freshest texture.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Dessert
This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and stunning. The combination of creamy layers, fresh strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust makes every bite irresistible. Plus, since it’s completely no-bake, it’s an easy go-to recipe for warm-weather gatherings or last-minute desserts.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear about your variations. Enjoy!
Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna: The Ultimate No-Bake Dessert
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup of whipped cream to lighten up the mixture
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 package (about 9 oz) graham crackers
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently until fully incorporated.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with milk until dissolved.
- Layer half of the graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
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