Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed; 1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix; 1½ cups cold milk; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; Additional whipped topping and strawberries for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to fall head over heels for Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, a dreamy no-bake dessert with layers of buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy cheesecake filling, creamy pudding, and juicy strawberries all crowned with clouds of whipped topping. Every bite is a celebration of summer in a pan—creamy, refreshing, and irresistibly easy to make. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue or just craving a sweet escape, this deliciously simple dessert is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is that it only takes a handful of basic ingredients, each playing a starring role. The textures and flavors come together so perfectly that you’ll wonder how something so effortless can taste this decadent and look so stunning!

Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation for our luscious layers, offering subtle sweetness and the perfect crunch.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crumbs and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the crust.
Cream cheese (softened): Gives the cheesecake layer its signature tang and smooth, creamy body.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture for a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the dessert’s flavors with pure, aromatic notes.
Whipped topping (thawed): Adds airy lightness to every layer and creates a fluffy finish on top.
Instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix: Brings rich flavor and structure, plus an extra creamy mouthfeel.
Cold milk: Activates the pudding mix and adds a silky consistency to the dessert.
Fresh strawberries (sliced): The star! Sliced fresh for juiciness and vibrant color in every bite.
Additional whipped topping and strawberries (optional): Perfect for dressing up each serving with extra flair and irresistible appeal.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Lush

Step 1: Build the Buttery Graham Cracker Crust

Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until every bit is evenly moistened—using a fork helps! Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish, creating a compact, even crust. This is your delicious foundation and sets up the layers for that signature Strawberry Cheesecake Lush texture.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and lump-free. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until you’ve got a velvety, creamy mixture. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping; this adds that cloud-like fluffiness. Spread this over your crust as evenly as you can—it’s okay if you sneak a taste!

Step 3: Prepare the Lush Pudding Layer

Now, grab another clean bowl and whisk together the instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix with cold milk. Don’t rush this—whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens beautifully. This luscious layer gets spread right over your cream cheese mixture, setting the stage for dreamy spoonfuls.

Step 4: Add the Strawberry Magic

Layer those juicy, sliced strawberries evenly across the pudding. Let their bright, fresh color peek through—it’s what makes Strawberry Cheesecake Lush so striking and refreshing, visually and flavor-wise!

Step 5: Top with Fluffy Whipped Goodness

Spoon the remaining whipped topping over the strawberries and gently spread it to the corners, sealing in all that berry and cream goodness. The final layer is your fluffy, sweet crown.

Step 6: Chill Until Perfect

Cover your pan and let the dessert chill in the fridge for at least four hours (overnight is even better). This step ensures that each layer mingles perfectly, and the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush becomes sliceable, decadent, and ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Lush

Garnishes

Before serving, pile on a little extra whipped topping and dot with fresh strawberry slices. If you want to go all out, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or a drizzle of strawberry sauce makes each square feel truly special.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is lovely all on its own, but if you’re hosting a party, consider pairing it with a crisp glass of iced tea, a platter of lemon bars, or a refreshing fruit salad. Lighter, fruity side dishes allow the richness of this dessert to shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For an Instagram-worthy twist, assemble the layers in individual mason jars or parfait glasses. You can even try making mini versions in silicone cupcake liners for perfect little hand-held treats—so adorable for picnics or bridal showers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your Strawberry Cheesecake Lush tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to two days—just be sure to enjoy it while the layers are fresh and the strawberries are still vibrant!

Freezing

While Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is at its best fresh, you can freeze individual portions by wrapping them well and storing them in an airtight container. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before eating; the texture of the whipped topping might soften a bit, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Reheating

No reheating needed for this cool, creamy confection! Simply slice and serve straight from the fridge. If the dessert has been frozen, be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Cheesecake Lush?

Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, thaw and drain frozen strawberries well before layering them into your dessert. This helps keep the lush from getting too watery.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs for the crust?

Crushed golden Oreos or vanilla wafer cookies are a fun alternative! Just be sure to crush them finely and mix them thoroughly with the melted butter for a sturdy, sweet base.

How far ahead can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Lush?

It’s best made the night before you intend to serve it; making it 8 to 12 hours ahead gives the flavors time to meld and the layers to firm up perfectly. Avoid assembling more than one day in advance to keep everything fresh.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Definitely! However, keep in mind that homemade whipped cream can deflate more quickly, so serve the dessert within a day or two for best results.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

As written, it’s not gluten-free due to the graham cracker crust and pudding mix. But you can easily swap in gluten-free graham crackers and ensure your pudding mix is gluten-free for a safe and equally delicious twist!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that show-stopping, effortless dessert to make any gathering feel like a celebration, Strawberry Cheesecake Lush will instantly become your go-to treat. It’s cool, creamy, bursting with berries, and honestly, hard to resist. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why friends and family always go back for seconds!

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the luscious layers of this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, tangy pudding, and fresh strawberries, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

Pudding Layer:

1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
1½ cups cold milk

Toppings:

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Additional whipped topping and strawberries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into a 9×13-inch dish as the crust.
Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half of the whipped topping. Spread over the crust.
Pudding Layer: Whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
Finish: Arrange sliced strawberries on top, then spread remaining whipped topping. Chill for at least 4 hours. Garnish with additional toppings before serving.