Strawberry Lush is a dreamy dessert that’s light and fruity! With layers of creamy filling and fresh strawberries, this treat is perfect for summer days.
It’s so easy to make, you might find yourself whipping it up every week! I love serving it chilled, and no one can resist that bright flavor and fluffy texture. 🍓
Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These create a lovely crunchy base for the dessert. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free cookies or even almonds can work well as a substitute.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is great in this recipe so you can control the saltiness. You can swap it with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich texture. If you want a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese spread.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is a convenient choice, but you can make homemade whipped cream as a healthier alternative. Just whip heavy cream with some sugar until it forms soft peaks.
Strawberry Jell-O: This is crucial for the fruity flavor, but if you’re avoiding gelatin, look for plant-based alternatives like agar-agar, which can set similarly with boiling water.
How Do I Make Sure My Jell-O Layers Set Properly?
Setting the Jell-O layers correctly is key for a great Strawberry Lush. Here are some simple tips: Always use boiling water to dissolve the Jell-O, ensuring it mixes completely. Let the mixture cool slightly but not too long, or it may not set well.
- Chill the layers for at least 4 hours to allow the Jell-O time to firm up.
- A good trick is to place the dish in the coldest part of your refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
How to Make Strawberry Lush?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
For The Strawberry Layer:
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
For The Final Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (for topping)
- Fresh strawberries, chopped (for garnish)
- Crushed graham crackers (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Strawberry Lush requires about 20 minutes of prep time and at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge. This gives you plenty of time to let the flavors come together and the Jell-O to set. Patience is key!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Begin by mixing the crushed graham crackers and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a nice, solid crust. Set it aside while you prepare the next layers.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once it’s well mixed, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until everything is combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust you prepared earlier.
3. Preparing the Strawberry Layer:
In another bowl, take your strawberry Jell-O and pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it well until the Jell-O is completely dissolved. Let this mixture cool down slightly; it shouldn’t be too hot when you add the strawberries!
4. Adding the Strawberries:
Once the Jell-O mixture has cooled a bit, stir in your sliced strawberries. Then, carefully pour this colorful strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in the dish, allowing it to flow evenly across the surface.
5. Setting the Layers:
It’s time to let the magic happen! Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the Jell-O is set firm. This waiting time is crucial for all those delicious flavors to blend together!
6. Completing Your Strawberry Lush:
After the layers have set, take out the dish from the fridge. Spread 1 cup of whipped topping gently over the strawberry layer to create a fluffy and creamy top. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle chopped strawberries and some crushed graham crackers on top for garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Now, it’s time for the best part! Slice the Strawberry Lush into squares. Serve them chilled, and enjoy each refreshing bite of this delightful dessert. You’ll definitely impress your friends and family!
Can I Use Different Fruit for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are the star of this dish, you can substitute them with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Just ensure you use fruit that pairs well with the strawberry Jell-O for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover the top well to maintain the freshness of the whipped topping and the fruit layer!
Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dessert dairy-free by using non-dairy cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives. Just check the labels on those products to ensure they fit your dietary needs!
What If My Jell-O Doesn’t Set?
If your Jell-O doesn’t set, it could be due to not enough gelatin or too much liquid. You can try adding a little more gelatin next time. If it’s already made, just refrigerate longer—sometimes it needs additional time to firm up!
