No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is the perfect dessert to impress guests or simply enjoy with family. This dessert combines the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries, all layered between a crispy graham cracker crust. As the name suggests, no baking is required, making it a simple and stress-free dessert that comes together in no time. The graham cracker base offers a crunchy contrast to the velvety cheesecake filling, while the fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry sauce bring a burst of fruity sweetness to every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a weekend treat, this dessert will surely be a crowd favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile—you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, allowing the layers to meld together for an even more delicious experience. This no-bake cheesecake lasagna is a refreshing and satisfying way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Why You’ll Love This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
What’s not to love about No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna? It offers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch, while the cheesecake filling is rich and velvety, and the fresh strawberries add a juicy and refreshing element. Plus, since it’s a no-bake recipe, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires no oven time. You can assemble it in advance, letting the layers set and meld together for an even more flavorful result. The homemade strawberry sauce adds an extra layer of freshness and sweetness that takes this dessert to the next level. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a BBQ, or a potluck, this cheesecake lasagna will certainly stand out as a delicious, visually appealing treat.
Ingredients
For the Layers:
- Graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries (sliced)
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- Strawberries (diced)
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Additional strawberry slices
- Crushed graham crackers
Variations
This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your preferences:
- Berry Mix: Instead of just using strawberries, you can mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a more colorful, mixed berry cheesecake lasagna.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or melted chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or digestive biscuits to make this dessert gluten-free while still maintaining the delicious flavor and texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream.
- Crust Variations: Swap out the graham crackers for crushed Oreos or another type of cookie for a different flavor base.
How to Make the No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by crushing the graham crackers (or digestive biscuits) into fine crumbs. You can do this using a food processor or by placing the crackers in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Once crushed, place the crumbs into a bowl and mix with melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a firm, even crust. Set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the strawberries release their juices and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Once the cheesecake filling is spread evenly, layer the sliced fresh strawberries over the filling. Drizzle the strawberry sauce over the strawberries, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Allow the lasagna to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the layers set.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, extra strawberry slices, and crushed graham crackers if desired. Slice and serve cold.
Tips for Making the No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, as this will ensure a smooth filling with no lumps.
- Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, which will give the cheesecake filling its light and airy texture.
- Chill Before Serving: It’s important to let the lasagna chill for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.
- Strawberry Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch. However, if you don’t want the sauce to be too thick, you can skip the cornstarch entirely.
- For a Firmer Base: If the graham cracker crust feels too soft, press it down more firmly to ensure it sets well and doesn’t crumble when slicing.
How to Serve
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is best served chilled. When ready to serve, slice it into squares or rectangles and garnish with whipped cream, additional strawberry slices, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of chilled white wine. You can also serve it as a dessert after a light summer meal or bring it to a potluck or family gathering for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert will remain fresh and creamy, though the graham cracker crust may soften a bit over time due to the moisture from the cheesecake and strawberry sauce.
Freezing
Although this dessert is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. To freeze, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be served chilled, so there is no need to reheat it. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the sauce?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the sauce for the best flavor, but if you use frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dessert the day before you plan to serve it, which allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
3. Can I use a different crust?
Yes, you can use crushed cookies like Oreos or shortbread for a different flavor or texture, depending on your preference.
4. Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?
Yes, cornstarch is optional and is only used to slightly thicken the strawberry sauce. You can skip it if you prefer a thinner sauce.
5. Can I add more layers to the cheesecake?
Yes, you can add more layers to the cheesecake to make it even more decadent, just be sure to adjust the amounts of ingredients accordingly.
6. How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from being too soft?
Press the graham cracker crumbs firmly into the pan to ensure the crust sets properly and doesn’t crumble when serving.
7. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
Yes, you can use whipped topping (like Cool Whip) instead of homemade whipped cream, but the texture might be slightly different.
8. Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sugar?
You can reduce the sugar in both the filling and the strawberry sauce, or substitute with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit sweetener.
9. Can I add chocolate to this dessert?
Yes, you can drizzle chocolate syrup over the top or mix in some chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for an extra treat.
10. How should I serve this dessert?
Serve this dessert chilled, and garnish with extra whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and crushed graham crackers for an added touch of texture and flavor.
Conclusion
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves rich, creamy, and refreshing treats. With its layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and buttery graham cracker crust, it’s a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a special gathering or enjoying it on a quiet evening, this dessert will be a crowd favorite. Prepare it in advance, and let it chill to perfection, making it the ideal hassle-free dessert for any occasion.
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No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
- Total Time: 4 hours (minimum chill time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is a dreamy, layered dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries. Perfect for warm weather, it’s easy to assemble and doesn’t require any baking—just chill and enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Layers:
- 300 g (2 cups) graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)
- 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 250 ml (1 cup) heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh strawberries, sliced
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 200 g (1 cup) strawberries, diced
- 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Additional strawberry slices
- Crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the graham crackers or digestive biscuits by crushing them into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin, or pulsing in a food processor. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and light.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to release the juice. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and stir it into the strawberry mixture. Heat gently on the stove over low heat until thickened, then let cool.
- To assemble the lasagna, start by layering the crushed graham crackers as the base in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it out evenly.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Drizzle a layer of the strawberry sauce over the strawberries.
- Repeat the layers—graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, strawberries, and strawberry sauce—until all components are used, ending with a layer of cream cheese mixture on top.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, additional strawberry slices, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker cheesecake filling, you can add a bit of powdered sugar or a small amount of gelatin to the cream cheese mixture.
- Make sure to refrigerate the dessert long enough for the layers to firm up.
- You can prepare the strawberry sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American