This easy, no-bake strawberry lasagna offers layer upon layer of sweet strawberry goodness.
Lasagna is always a crowd pleaser. You might think I’m only referring to traditional lasagna recipes made with savory meats and plenty of cheese, but this rule also applies to dessert lasagna recipes, like peanut butter chocolate lasagna and my new favorite, strawberry lasagna.
To make this lovely layered wonder, you’ll begin with a simple graham cracker crust, topping it with decadent layers of sweetened cream cheese, a ribbon of strawberry preserves, and a fluffy, fruity strawberry filling. This no-bake dessert is the perfect way to celebrate strawberry season with friends and family.
The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for the layers to fully set. I suggest making it right before bedtime—that way you can dream sweet, strawberry dreams before digging into this sensational strawberry dessert the next day.
Strawberry Lasagna Ingredients
Graham cracker crust: Rather than granulated sugar, this graham cracker crust is made with confectioners’ sugar. When mixed with cracker crumbs and melted butter, it yields a softer, more delicate crust that’s easy to cut through. If you want to double down on strawberry flavor, you could use strawberry-flavored confectioners’ sugar.
Cream cheese: Cream cheese is the primary stabilizing ingredient in this no-bake strawberry lasagna. Use full-fat cream cheese to ensure the fillings set properly.
Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar dissolves easily into the cream cheese, ensuring a silky-smooth filling with just the right amount of sweetness.
Whipped topping: Frozen whipped topping—like Cool Whip—adds easy loft and lightness to the filling, ensuring it’s not too dense.
Strawberry preserves: Strawberry preserves add extra strawberry sweetness and a bonus ribbon of vibrant color to this impressive layered dessert.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds depth, and balances the tangy and sweet flavors in the strawberry lasagna layers.
Strawberry gelatin: A small amount of gelatin serves as an insurance policy for setting the strawberry filling. It’s activated by and dissolved in a small amount of boiling water.
Fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries speckle the strawberry layer, infusing the dessert with plenty of real fruit flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the graham cracker crust
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch pan.
Step 2: Make the cream cheese filling
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla and confectioners’ sugar until they’re smooth, about two to three minutes. Fold in half of the whipped topping.
Spread half of the resulting filling over the crust. Set the remaining filling and whipped topping aside.
Editor’s Tip: Make sure the cream cheese has fully softened before making the filling. Cold cream cheese will not blend as smoothly and may result in a lumpy filling.
Step 3: Add a layer of preserves
Spread a thin layer of strawberry preserves over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
Step 4: Mix the strawberry filling
In a small glass measuring cup, whisk the strawberry gelatin and boiling water until the gelatin is dissolved. Add the mixture to the reserved filling and beat until the filling mixture is smooth. Fold in the strawberries.
Step 5: Finish layering the lasagna
Spread the strawberry filling over the preserves.
Step 6: Finish it with whipped topping
Spread the remaining whipped topping in an even layer on top of the strawberry filling. Cover the lasagna and refrigerate it for at least four hours or overnight for best results.
Step 7: Decorate the lasagna
Decorate the top of the lasagna with additional fresh sliced strawberries. Cut it into squares and serve it.
Strawberry Lasagna Variations
Have fun with garnishes: Sprinkle shaved white chocolate over the dish before serving the squares. Chocolate ganache or chocolate curls are other options for a bit of extra decadence. For a colorful, fruity finish, drizzle the squares with homemade strawberry syrup.
Skip the preserves: You can omit the strawberry preserves from the recipe if desired. The preserves add extra sweetness and a pretty ribbon of strawberry filling to the center of the lasagna, but it will still have plenty of strawberry flavor without them. Strawberry jam can be used in place of preserves.
Add other flavored extracts: Try adding a teaspoon or two of almond, orange or coconut extract to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor and pizazz.
Experiment with other fruit: Try raspberries, blueberries and/or cherries in this layered dessert.
Switch up the crust: Make the crust with vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies or Biscoff (speculoos) cookies instead. For a chocolate twist, try using chocolate wafer cookies or chocolate-flavored graham crackers.
How to Store Strawberry Lasagna
Cover strawberry lasagna with storage wrap and refrigerate it when not serving it.
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