Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Dessert

Picture yourself savoring a dessert that embodies the very spirit of summer in every bite. The No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Dessert does just that, offering a delightful fusion of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake, all in a refreshing, easy-to-make treat.

Not only is this dessert simple to prepare, but it’s also perfect for warm days when you want a sweet indulgence without turning on the oven. It’s so deliciously irresistible that if you’re serving guests, you may want to double the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy, No-Bake Dessert – Perfect for summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Balanced Sweetness – The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling ensures the perfect level of sweetness.
• Beautiful & Crowd-Pleasing – Layers of vibrant strawberries and velvety cheesecake make this an eye-catching treat.
• Customizable – Easily swap out cookies or add your favorite mix-ins!

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Dessert Recipe

This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Dessert is more than just a flavorful treat; it’s a feast for the eyes as well, making it an ideal choice for summer parties or a special family dessert.

Relish the combination of juicy strawberries with the rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all atop a buttery vanilla wafer cookies.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 (14 oz) package of vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant cheesecake pudding mix
• 1 cup cold whole milk
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (16 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed, divided
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, chopped, divided

For Garnish:

• White chocolate shavings or crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafer cookies with melted butter. Mix well until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass. Place in the fridge to set while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together cheesecake pudding mix and cold milk for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
• In a separate large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
• Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture, then fold in half of the whipped topping (about 2 cups) and 2 cups of chopped strawberries.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert:

• Spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing it out evenly.
• Spread the remaining whipped topping over the filling.
• Sprinkle the remaining chopped strawberries on top.
• Optionally, garnish with white chocolate shavings or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra texture and flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Set: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, for the best texture and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this luscious, refreshing dessert!

Helpful notes:

• Sweetness: Heads up, the filling might be a tad sweet for some, especially with the pudding and whipped topping. Feel free to use less sugar if you prefer it less sweet!

• Pan Size: Just a note that an 8×8 inch pan will give you thicker slices than a 9×9 inch one.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serving: Best served chilled. For a cleaner slice, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry before cutting.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Option: Freeze for up to a month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Pro Tips

• For Extra Crunch: Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed freeze-dried strawberries between the crust and cheesecake layer for an added burst of flavor.
• Alternative Crust Option: Swap vanilla wafers for shortbread cookies or biscoff cookies for a different flavor profile.
• Boosting Strawberry Flavor: Macerate the strawberries in a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of lemon juice for 10 minutes before layering them for enhanced juiciness.
• Whipped Cream Upgrade: Instead of store-bought whipped topping, whip up 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for a fresher taste.