If you are craving a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is the perfect treat to brighten any occasion. Layers of creamy, dreamy filling intermingle with sweet, juicy strawberries and a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a luscious balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. It’s an easy no-bake dessert that feels fancy but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, making it one of my favorite go-to recipes for summer gatherings or just a luscious night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Lasagna Recipe plays an essential role in building its irresistible flavor and texture—from the crunchy crust to the silky cream filling and fresh fruity layers. Here’s what you’ll need to create this showstopper dessert.
- Graham crackers (9 oz, crushed): This forms the classic crunchy crust that provides a perfect base and texture contrast.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the crust ingredients together and brings a rich buttery flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped to stiff peaks, it gives the filling its light and fluffy texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy backbone of the filling that enriches the dessert.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and smooths the texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note to balance the tang of cream cheese.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, chopped): Juicy, vibrant, and bursting with natural sweetness, they brighten every layer.
- Strawberry jam (2 tablespoons, optional): Drizzled between layers for extra berry flavor and a glossy finish.
- Fresh mint leaves (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): A lovely garnish that adds a pop of color and refreshing aroma.
How to Make Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by combining the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—you want it compact to hold everything together beautifully. Refrigerate it while you prepare the luscious filling; chilling helps the crust set so each slice holds perfectly.
Step 2: Whip the cream and cream cheese filling
Beat the heavy whipping cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form—this is what gives your filling that cloud-like texture. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and velvety. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, preserving the fluffiness and creating that perfect creamy layer we all adore in a strawberry lasagna.
Step 3: Assemble the first layers
Spoon half of your cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing it out. Next, scatter half of the chopped fresh strawberries across the creamy layer. For an optional pop of flavor and a beautiful glaze, drizzle half of the strawberry jam on top. This layering starts to build the strawberry lasagna’s signature look and layered taste sensation.
Step 4: Repeat the layers
Now, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer just like before. Follow it with the remaining chopped strawberries and finish by drizzling the rest of the strawberry jam on top. These layers invite every bite to deliver creamy, fruity, and crunchy delights—classic strawberry lasagna at its best.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Cover the entire dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up, ensuring beautiful slices when it comes time to serve. Slice into squares and enjoy chilled for that refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves sprinkled on top add a pretty green contrast and a hint of refreshing herbal aroma that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. You can even add a few whole strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation for guests.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides like a simple green salad or a lemon sorbet if you’d like to keep the meal fresh and balanced. For a brunch setting, serve alongside fluffy pancakes or a citrusy fruit salad to keep the strawberry theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dessert in clear glass trifle bowls or individual parfait glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. You could also cut it into small squares for a buffet-style party or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for a kid-friendly twist. The vibrant red and creamy white layers make it a naturally stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover strawberry lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Its flavors remain bright and fresh, and the texture stays delightfully creamy without becoming soggy.
Freezing
While freezing is not ideal for this delicate dessert because fresh strawberries can lose their texture, you can freeze the cream filling or the crust separately if needed. If you do freeze the assembled dessert, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture before serving.
Reheating
This Strawberry Lasagna Recipe is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving—this softens the cream layers just a touch for an even creamier bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries for the crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Frozen strawberries tend to release extra moisture when thawed, which can make the layers watery and less stable.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Traditional graham crackers contain gluten, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free graham crackers to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How far in advance can I make Strawberry Lasagna Recipe?
You can prepare this dessert a day ahead, storing it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop and the layers to set perfectly.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key for the tangy richness in this dessert, but you can experiment with mascarpone for a slightly different flavor and texture, though it will alter the final taste somewhat.
What if I don’t have strawberry jam?
The jam is optional and mainly adds extra sweetness and shine. If you don’t have any, feel free to skip it or substitute with a drizzle of honey or a berry syrup for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lasagna Recipe has become such a cherished treat to share with loved ones, thanks to its irresistible layers of creamy, fruity goodness and buttery crunch. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make yet impresses every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every season when strawberries are in their prime. Go ahead—dig in and delight your sweet tooth with a dish that tastes as wonderful as it looks!
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Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Lasagna is a no-bake, layered dessert combining a crunchy graham cracker crust with a creamy whipped filling and fresh strawberries. This refreshing treat is perfect for warm weather and offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, with optional mint garnish to enhance its fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package (9 oz) graham crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Layers
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the filling: Using a mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form to create whipped cream. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Then, layer half of the chopped fresh strawberries over the cream layer. Optionally drizzle half of the strawberry jam on top of the strawberries for added sweetness and flavor.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. Follow by layering the remaining chopped strawberries on top. Drizzle the remaining strawberry jam over the final strawberry layer, if using.
- Chill and serve: Cover the assembled lasagna with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set properly. When ready to serve, slice into portions and garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- This recipe requires no baking, making it an easy and quick dessert option.
- For extra flavor, the strawberry jam layer is optional and can be omitted or substituted with other fruit preserves.
- Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor absorption.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best taste and sweetness.
- Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
