Strawberry Cheesecake Lush

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 300 min
Ingredients: 36 Golden Oreos cookies; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); ¼ teaspoon salt (optional to balance out sweetness); 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed); 2 1/2 cups strawberries (diced); 3 ounces strawberry Jello mix; 3/4 cup boiling water; 3/4 cup ice water; 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed); 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed); Fresh strawberries; Golden Oreo crumbs

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This irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Lush combines a light and fluffy strawberry filling with a creamy cheesecake layer on top of a sweet cookie crust. It’s the ultimate no-bake summer dessert!

Strawberry Lush with a bite taken out of it

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Dessert

From Easy Strawberry Pie to Homemade Strawberry Syrup, there so many delicious ways to use fresh summer strawberries. But, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious, this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush has got you covered!

It’s a hassle-free treat that starts with a homemade crunchy cookie crust, topped with a velvety smooth cheesecake filling studded with fresh juicy strawberries. Next, a fluffy strawberry Jello layer is added, and then it’s finished with a whipped cream topping and additional strawberries for garnish.

And the best part is that you never even have to turn on your oven to make it. Simply assemble the layers, let it chill in the fridge, and it’s ready to serve!

Piece of strawberry lush on a white plate

Why We Love This Recipe

Easy no bake dessert recipe – This cheesecake lush is a delicious no bake dessert you just mix, chill and serve. There’s no need to heat up your kitchen.
Impressive presentation – Three distinct colorful layers makes this a beautiful layered dessert.
Great make-ahead dessert – Since you’ll want to let it chill for hours or overnight, it’s the perfect dessert to whip up ahead of time for a party or other special occasion.

Ingredients

Cookie Crust

Golden Oreos cookies
Unsalted butter, melted
Salt (helps balance out sweetness)

Cheesecake Layer

Full fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
Pure vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Cool Whip, thawed
Diced strawberries, patted dry

Pink Strawberry Jello Layer:

Instant strawberry Jello mix
Cool Whip, thawed
Boiling water
Ice water

Whipped Topping Layer:

Cool Whip, thawed
Fresh strawberries
Golden Oreo crumbs

Recommended Tools

Food processor
Hand mixer or stand mixer
9×13 baking pan
Offset spatula
Mixing bowls

How to Make Strawberry Lush

For The Cookie Layer

Step 1. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Using a food processor crush the Golden Oreos until you get fine crumbs.

Step 2. Transfer the cookie crumbs to a small mixing bowl, then add the melted butter and salt. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated.

Note: If you don’t have a food processor, you can place cookies in a large bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they are fine crumbs.

Step 3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to help press it firmly into an even layer.

Step 4. Place the prepared crust into the freezer to chill while making the cheesecake layer.

For The Strawberry Cheesecake Layer

Step 1. For the next layer, add the cream cheese and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Beat together with an electric mixer on medium high speed until smooth and creamy.

Cream cheese and vanilla extract in glass bowl

Step 2. Slowly sprinkle in the powdered sugar and beat until it’s mixed thoroughly.

Step 3. Using a rubber spatula, fold in one 8 ounce tub of thawed Cool Whip until well combined.

Cool Whip and cream cheese mixed together in glass bowl

Step 4. Gently fold in the fresh diced strawberries.

Note: Make sure you pat dry the strawberries before mixing them in. Otherwise you could have a wet cheesecake layer from the extra moisture.

Strawberries mixed with cheesecake mixture

Step 5. Take the crust out of the freezer. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the crust, using an offset spatula to spread it out and also to remove any air pockets.

Step 6. Place the baking pan back into the freezer while you prepare the strawberry Jello layer.

Strawberry cheesecake spread over Oreo crust

For The Creamy Jello Layer

Step 1. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry Jello powder with boiling hot water. Stir together until fully dissolved.

Step 2. Add the ice water. It should be ¾ cup water WITH ice. Whisk it for about 2 minutes or until the ice completely melts.

Note: The Jello mixture should now be cold to touch. If not, then allow it to cool completely for a few more minutes before adding the Cool Whip.

Water being added to Jello mix in glass bowl

Step 3. Once cooled, mix in one 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip and mix together until well blended. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes and to allow the Jello mixture to thicken up.

Step 4. After the Jello mixture has chilled, remove the baking pan from the freezer and then spread the pink strawberry layer evenly over the cheesecake layer. An offset spatula works great for this.

Step 5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This will give the Jello layer the time it needs to set completely.

Jello Cool Whip Mixture spread over cheesecake

For The Top Layer

Step 1. Once the top layer is firmly set, spread the remaining whipped topping evenly on top.

Step 2. Garnish the dessert with extra strawberries and Golden Oreo crumbs. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Strawberry Lush topped with sliced strawberries

How Long Will This Layered Dessert Last in the Fridge?

You can store this strawberry cheesecake dessert for 3-4 days. If you think you’ll have leftovers, you may want to wait to add the strawberry garnish just before serving.

The longer this dessert sits in the refrigerator, the more juice from the berries will start to run over the topping.

Strawberry cheesecake lush with Golden Oreo crust

Can I Freeze Strawberry Lush?

While it is possible to freeze the cheesecake, the texture may be slightly altered once it has thawed out. For best results, serving it freshly made or within a couple of days.

Recipe Variations and Add-ins

Sweet shortbread crust: You can swap out the Oreos for store bought shortbread cookies. Because there isn’t any filling in shortbread cookies, you may want to add a little bit of extra melted butter.

Graham cracker crust: You can always make a traditional graham cracker crust. Just mix crushed graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter instead.

Chocolate Oreo crust: Swap the golden cookies for regular Oreos. The chocolaty twist goes great with the tangy strawberries.

Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, between the layers for a delightful crunch.

Raspberry cheesecake lush: You can make this exact recipe using raspberry Jello with fresh raspberries instead of the strawberries.

Mix berry variation: Add mixed berries to the cream cheese mixture for a more colorful dessert. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries always look and taste great

White chocolate chips: Mix white chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling to add little crunchy chocolaty bits to each bite.

Slice of strawberry cheesecake lush on white plate

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead?

Yes, you sure can use. Just make sure to thaw and drain them really well before using in the recipe.

How do I get clean layers when I slice it?

To get the cleanest slices, you should freeze it for 15-30 minutes before adding each layer. Just make sure you don’t freeze the Jello layer for too long because the texture will change.

Why is my crust so crumbly?

To keep the crust from falling apart, you should freeze it immediately after pressing it into the baking pan. Keep it in the freezer while you prepare the layers for the dessert. This way the melted butter becomes firm and helps the crust stay together.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Cream cheese is the key ingredient to giving the dessert a delicious cheesecake flavor. However, feel free to experiment with other soft cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta. Keep in mind any other type of cheese will change the flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to use gelatin in the strawberry layer?

Gelatin helps the strawberry layer set and hold its shape. If you prefer a softer texture, you can use a box of cheesecake pudding mix instead. Just keep in mind that it won’t have the same flavor or color as the Jello.

To make it with pudding, just beat the pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl until it’s thick and smooth, then you can add it to the pan. Keep in mind that the instant pudding layer will not be quite as light and fluffy as when you use Jello.

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