Strawberry Lush is a dreamy dessert with layers of fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and a crunchy crumb crust. It’s sweet, fruity, and oh-so-refreshing!
Making this treat is a breeze! I love popping it in the fridge to chill. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day or impress guests at a gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These are essential for the crust. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free cracker instead. Some people even use crushed cookies like Oreos for a twist!
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or margarine can work well in the crust.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for flavor, but you can substitute with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches to give it a different flair.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. If you want to make it dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese substitute, which is widely available in stores now.
Heavy Whipping Cream: If you’re looking to cut calories, use light whipping cream or dairy-free whipped cream alternatives. Just keep in mind that the texture might slightly differ.
How Do I Get the Cream Cheese Mixture Smooth?
Achieving a smooth cream cheese mixture is crucial for the texture of the Strawberry Lush. Start with softened cream cheese; it should be easy to beat. Here’s how to do it:
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Use an electric mixer to beat until fluffy before adding powdered sugar and vanilla. This makes it easier to combine and prevent lumps.
- Always scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
This can make a big difference in the final dish. I also find that mixing in stages helps to create that silky texture!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Gelatin?
Getting the gelatin to the right consistency is key. Here’s a simple guide:
- First, boil the water according to the recipe. Make sure you use fresh boiling water for the best results.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. This usually takes a couple of minutes.
- After dissolving, mix in the cold water. Then, let it cool at room temperature until it starts to thicken slightly—this helps it layer nicely without sinking into your strawberries.
Just be careful not to let it set completely before pouring it over the strawberries, or you’ll end up with a lumpy layer!
How to Make Strawberry Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For The Gelatin Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and requires at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge before serving. So grab your time wisely, mix, and enjoy some delicious Strawberry Lush!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until everything is combined. Then, press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake in the oven for about 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden, then let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Strawberries:
While the crust is cooling, it’s time to get your strawberries ready! In a large bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with ½ cup of granulated sugar. Let this sit for about 10-15 minutes. This process is called macerating, and it makes the strawberries juicy and sweet!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This is going to be delicious!
4. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This means it should be fluffy but not too firm. Now, gently fold this whipped cream into your creamy cheese mixture until everything is well combined. You want to keep that lightness!
5. Layer It Up:
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Next, take your macerated strawberries and spread them evenly on top. It will look so fresh and colorful!
6. Prepare the Gelatin:
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring well. Then stir in 1 cup of cold water. Let this chill until it starts to thicken but is still pourable—this will be your last layer!
7. Final Assembly:
Once the gelatin mixture has thickened slightly, pour it over the strawberry layer. Finally, gently spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top. Now it’s looking good!
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set. When you’re ready to serve, top with additional chopped strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for some extra charm. Slice it up and enjoy your wonderful Strawberry Lush!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have strawberries or want to mix it up, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit, especially if using a fruit that’s less sweet than strawberries.
Can I Substitute Cream Cheese for Something Lighter?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option. The texture will change slightly, but it will still be delicious! Just be sure to whip it until smooth to maintain a creamy consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Strawberry Lush?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the crust may become a bit softer over time. If you’d like to maintain some crunch, only slice what you plan to eat, and leave the rest whole until serving.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Gelatin Sets Properly?
Let the gelatin mixture cool for a few minutes after dissolving, then chill it until it starts to thicken before pouring it over the strawberry layer. This helps it maintain its shape better. Also, make sure not to skip the refrigeration step after assembling; letting it set for at least 4 hours is key for a perfect slice!
