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Strawberry Lush – light and creamy layers with fresh strawberries and a graham cracker crust. Easy and delicious no bake dessert!
Who doesn’t love a no-bake dessert? Especially when it’s bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries! As the temperatures rise, turning on the oven feels like mission impossible. But don’t worry because I’ve got the perfect solution: Strawberry Lush Squares.
This no bake treat starts with a layer of graham crackers, then blends together cream cheese, smooth vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. But the true highlight? The strawberries! Tucked into every layer, they add a juicy pop of flavor that makes each bite divinely fruity.
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for easy, fuss-free desserts. That’s why I love whipping up treats like my No-Bake Strawberry Jello Pie and Strawberry Ice Box Cake—they’re perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without breaking a sweat.
And trust me, once you try these Strawberry Lush Squares, they’ll quickly become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, grab some strawberries, and get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as delightful as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lush
- No Heat Required—This no-bake dessert is perfect for hot summer days when you can’t bear the thought of turning on the oven. It keeps the kitchen cool and your spirits high.
- Instant Crowd-Pleaser – With its striking layers of vivid red strawberries and pristine white cream, this dessert not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on any table, drawing compliments and eager forks at every gathering.
- Kid-Friendly Fun – This is a great recipe for little helpers who want to get involved in the kitchen without the fuss of cooking. It’s simple enough for kids to help assemble, making for fun family bonding time over delicious treats.
- Flexible and Forgiving – You can Customize the dessert by swapping strawberries for other fruits or experimenting with different types of cookie bases. This recipe is forgiving and allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or simply use what you have on hand.
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Crushed Graham Crackers
- Butter
- Cream Cheese
- Sugar
- Strawberries
- Vanilla Instant Pudding
- Milk
- Whipped Cream – you can use Cool whip or Homemade Stabilized Whipped Cream
How To Make Strawberry Lush
- Prepare Pan. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, then set it aside.
- Make Graham Cracker Base. Combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Then, press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, reserving a tablespoon of crumbs. Chill in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Then, fold in strawberries. Spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer in the pan.
- Mix Pudding Layer. Whisk together cold milk and pudding mix until thickened. Then, pour it over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the pan for an hour to let it set.
- Add Whipped Cream. Once set, spread a layer of whipped cream over the pudding and sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until fully set before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Frozen Strawberries for Convenience. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones. Thaw them slightly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before folding them into the cream cheese mixture. This helps prevent the dessert from becoming too watery.
- Customize with Different Fruits. Experiment with various fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or bananas, to personalize the dessert to your taste preferences.
- Swap the Graham Crackers. You can customize the dessert by using alternative cookie crumbs in place of graham crackers. Crushed Nilla Wafers or Golden Oreos are delicious options!
- Let Layers Set Properly. Allow each layer to fully set in the fridge to ensure the dessert holds its shape when sliced.
- Serve Chilled. For the best taste and texture, serve the Strawberry Lush Squares chilled straight from the refrigerator.
After assembling the layers, refrigerate the dessert for at least 3-4 hours, or until completely set, for the best texture and flavor.
Absolutely! These squares can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve, making them perfect for entertaining.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover Strawberry Lush Squares in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Strawberry Cream Squares
Ingredients
- 8 graham cracker sheets, crushed
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 3.4 oz vanilla flavored instant pudding
- 1 3/4 cup cold milk
- 1 cup prepared whipped cream
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Mix the crushed graham crackers and the melted butter together. Press (reserve 1 Tablespoon of crumbs) into the bottom of prepared pan. Place the refrigerator to harden while you prepare the filling.
- Beat together the cream cheese and sugar together until well combined and smooth. Fold in the strawberries (reserve a few for sprinkling over the top) until evenly incorporated. Spread evenly on top of the graham cracker layer.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together the milk and the pudding mix for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Pour over the cream cheese layer. Place in the fridge for 1 hour to set up.
- Remove and spread with layer of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs and strawberries over the top.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to completely set.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This was very easy to make and turned out so good! It will be the perfect dessert for summer!
I made your Strawberry Lush for a family gathering, and it was an absolute hit! The layers were so creamy and the strawberries added a perfect touch of freshness. Everyone went back for seconds, and I was asked for the recipe multiple times.
This is so simple and so perfect for a summer treat! I can’t get enough of it