No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
The word lush brings to mind all things elaborate and swanky, but when it comes to dessert it just means an easy and simple layered confection that tastes rich. A crunchy base of cookies is topped with a couple silky layers of cheesecake, pudding and whipped topping and chilled until set, and there you have it – the incredible, irresistible lush.
Banana, lemon, cherry, chocolate, peanut butter… they come in any variety you can imagine, but there’s no match for the combination of strawberries and sweet cream. This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is so good there’s a danger that it might be the only dessert you want to eat from here on out. But we’re willing to take that risk.
We can’t get enough of the sweet and succulent bite of strawberry against the light and velvety layers of cheesecake pudding and whipped cream. All of that sweet creaminess is backed by the satisfying crunch of buttery vanilla cookies. It’s heaven, y’all.
It tastes indulgent, but not heavy, and it’s seriously easy to put together. It’s only a matter of mixing a few things up and then setting the whole thing to chill, so while it’s certainly one of our favorite desserts to eat, it’s also one of our favorite desserts to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is a dream come true for dessert lovers. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking, and combines the classic pairing of strawberries and cream in a delightful way. The creamy layers are balanced perfectly with the crunchy cookie base, making each bite a delightful experience.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or large ziploc bag and rolling pin
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 package vanilla sandwich cookies (36 cookies)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 (16 ounce) containers whipped topping, divided
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant pudding mix, cheesecake flavor
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Using a food processor, pulse sandwich cookies until they are fine crumbs. Alternatively, place cookies in a large ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy glass.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the cookie mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator.
- In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, and 1 cup of whipped topping. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread over cookie layer in the pan.
- In the same bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, and 1 cup of whipped topping. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Spread over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
- Top with sliced strawberries and spread more whipped topping over the top to cover. Garnish with additional strawberries if desired. Chill until ready to serve.
Tips for Success
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. For a sturdier crust, press the cookie mixture firmly into the baking dish. Allow the lush to chill thoroughly before serving for the best texture.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings like blueberries or raspberries. You can also use chocolate sandwich cookies for a richer base or try a different pudding flavor for a new twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving offers a delightful balance of creamy textures and fruity flavors, making it a satisfying yet light dessert option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it chilled until you are ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a food processor? You can crush the cookies manually using a heavy glass or rolling pin and a sturdy plastic bag.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping? Absolutely! Fresh whipped cream can be used, just make sure it’s well-stabilized.
Conclusion
This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Its ease of preparation and delectable taste make it a go-to dessert for any occasion. We’d love to hear about your experience making this dessert, so give it a try and share your thoughts with us!
