If you have a sweet tooth and love the fresh burst of summer fruits, you are going to absolutely adore this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe. It’s a layered dessert that brings together crisp graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream filling, and juicy strawberries for a treat that’s light, creamy, and irresistibly refreshing. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dish for a family gathering or a sweet surprise to brighten up any meal, this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is as simple to make as it is delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dessert, but don’t worry—it’s wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a vital role in creating perfect balance: sweetness, creaminess, and that fresh, fruity pop.
- Graham crackers (9 oz, crushed): This forms the crunchy, buttery foundation of your lasagna, giving it texture and flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering the natural strawberry taste.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the graham cracker crumbs together and adds richness to the base.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped to stiff peaks, it makes the filling light and fluffy.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides a tangy creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the strawberries.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese filling for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances all the sweet flavors.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, chopped): The star of the show, bringing freshness and vibrant color to each layer.
- Strawberry jam (2 tbsp, optional): Adds an extra gooey sweetness and intensifies the strawberry flavor if you love it really vibrant.
- Fresh mint leaves (1/4 cup, chopped, optional for garnish): Provides a refreshing finish and a pop of green to make your dessert truly beautiful.
How to Make Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start your delicious creation by combining the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sturdy, crumbly layer will give your lasagna that perfect texture contrast. Chill it in the refrigerator to help it set nicely while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Whip up the filling
In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form—this means the cream holds its shape when the beaters are lifted. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain that fluffy texture. This rich, airy filling is what makes your Strawberry Lasagna Recipe so dreamy.
Step 3: Assemble the layers
Spread half of your luscious cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust. Next, scatter half of the chopped strawberries over the filling. If you’re using strawberry jam, drizzle half on top of the strawberries for an extra sweet surprise. This layering is what brings the “lasagna” effect to life and makes each bite exciting.
Step 4: Repeat the layering
Now simply repeat the process by spreading the remaining cream cheese mixture over your strawberry layer, then topping it with the rest of the chopped strawberries. Finish by drizzling the remaining strawberry jam over the top for added flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.
Step 5: Chill and enjoy
Cover your creation with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This chilling allows the layers to meld together wonderfully and makes slicing the lasagna clean and easy. When ready, slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshingly light dessert.
How to Serve Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish to your strawberry lasagna turns it from simple to stunning. Fresh mint leaves sprinkled gently over the top add a burst of green color and a refreshing aroma that brightens each bite. You can also add sliced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra little touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines best on its own, but pairing it with a light, complementary side can elevate the experience. Think along the lines of a crisp summer salad or a glass of chilled sparkling rosé to balance the creamy sweetness. For a kid-friendly twist, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or shortbread cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, consider serving your Strawberry Lasagna Recipe in individual glass cups or mason jars for a pretty layered look. You can also create mini versions in small ramekins or trifle bowls to make portioning easy and attractive. Whipped cream rosettes piped on top add a fun finishing flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered well. Make sure to use airtight containers or cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the delicate layers from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to one month. Freeze in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Note that the texture of strawberries may change slightly after freezing, so it’s ideal for when you want to save time in advance rather than long-term storage.
Reheating
Since Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is a chilled dessert, it’s meant to be enjoyed cold. Avoid reheating, as that will break down the creamy layers and soften the graham cracker crust. Keep it chilled right until serving for the best experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the layers soggy.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?
Cream cheese adds the perfect tang and body to the filling, but you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind these alternatives might alter the texture slightly.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream for whipping and vegan cream cheese. Use vegan graham crackers to keep it completely dairy-free. The flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
How long does it take to set before serving?
The layers need to chill for at least 4 hours to firm up properly. Overnight refrigeration is even better for cutting clean slices and melding the flavors beautifully.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe scales up well. Just use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes to accommodate the extra ingredients. Be sure to maintain the layering for that signature look and taste.
Final Thoughts
You honestly cannot go wrong with this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull together. Each bite offers a delightful combination of creamy sweetness and refreshing strawberry brightness that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it time and time again for all your special occasions or simple sweet cravings.
Print
Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This no-bake Strawberry Lasagna is a delightful layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy whipped cream and cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and optional strawberry jam. Perfectly chilled and served cold, it combines textures and flavors beautifully for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package (9 oz) graham crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Place it in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, indicating it’s properly whipped. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the light and airy texture.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Then, layer half of the chopped strawberries on top. Drizzle half of the optional strawberry jam over the strawberries for extra flavor and sweetness.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining cream cheese mixture on top of the strawberries, spreading it evenly. Follow with the rest of the chopped strawberries and drizzle the remaining strawberry jam over the top layer.
- Chill and serve: Cover the assembled dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves if desired. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing, creamy treat.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dessert overnight to allow the flavors to meld and layers to set firmly.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or mixed berry jam for a different fruity twist.
- Make sure to use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
- This dessert is best served cold; keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Fresh mint leaves add a nice color contrast and a subtle fresh flavor, but they are optional.
