Did you know that 72% of people avoid making layered desserts because they assume they’re too complicated?
I used to be part of that statistic, my friend. The thought of tempering eggs, wrestling with delicate layers, and waiting hours for something to set felt more like a culinary final exam than a joyful way to spend an afternoon. That is, until I discovered the magic of this Easy No Bake Strawberry Lasagna Dessert. It’s the dessert that completely changed my mind, proving that stunning, impressive layers can be utterly simple and require absolutely zero oven time.
This recipe is my go-to when the sun is shining, the berries are at their peak, and the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven. It’s a celebration of summer in a dish, with a creamy, dreamy filling, a burst of fresh strawberry goodness, and a crust that provides the perfect crunchy contrast. It’s the kind of dessert that looks like you fussed for hours, but our little secret is that it comes together in mere minutes.
I first had a version of this at a dear friend’s baby shower. It was sitting there on the dessert table, this beautiful pink and white striped creation, and I immediately assumed it was from a fancy bakery. When she told me she’d whipped it up that morning, I practically demanded the recipe on the spot. It was love at first bite—cool, light, and impossibly refreshing.
So, if you’ve ever looked longingly at a intricate dessert and thought, “I could never,” this Easy No Bake Strawberry Lasagna is here to prove you wonderfully, deliciously wrong. Let’s gather our simple ingredients and create some magic together.
PrintNo Bake Strawberry Lasagna
- Author: Dorothy Miler
Description
A refreshing, easy-to-make dessert with layers of graham crackers, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 box graham crackers
- 1 cup strawberry glaze or preserves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
- Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the remaining cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers.
- Top with half of the sliced strawberries and drizzle with half of the strawberry glaze.
- Repeat layers: graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, strawberries, and glaze.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
The Easiest, Dreamiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make
You know those days when you crave something spectacularly sweet, something that feels like a celebration, but the very thought of turning on the oven feels like a monumental task? That was me last Sunday. The sun was shining, a gentle breeze was floating through the kitchen window, and all I wanted was a dessert that tasted like a hug. That’s when I remembered this glorious, no-bake beauty: Strawberry Lasagna.
Don’t let the name fool you—there’s no pasta or tomato sauce in sight! This dessert gets its name from the beautiful, layered structure, much like its savory counterpart. It’s a cool, creamy, crunchy, and fruity masterpiece that comes together with zero baking required. It’s the perfect treat for a warm afternoon, a potluck surprise, or just because you deserve a little slice of joy.
Gathering Your Sweet Supplies
Part of the magic of this recipe is its simplicity. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to create this layers of delight:
- 1 package (14.3 oz) of Golden Oreos: These are the foundation of our crust, and their vanilla-ish flavor is just perfect. If you can’t find them, regular Oreos (filling and all!) work wonderfully too.
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted: This is what transforms our crumbled cookies into a solid, press-in crust. Using unsalted lets us control the sweetness.
- 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened: This is key! Let it sit on the counter for a good 30-45 minutes before you start. A soft cream cheese blends into a silky smooth filling, while a cold one will leave you with frustrating little lumps.
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the cream cheese layer without making it overly saccharine.
- 2 tablespoons of milk: Whole milk is my preference for richness, but any milk you have on hand will do the trick to loosen up the filling.
- 1 container (12 oz) of Cool Whip, thawed: Divided! We’ll use some in the cream cheese layer and some on top. Be sure to let it thaw in the fridge so it’s spreadable. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer, but Cool Whip gives it that classic, stable, nostalgic texture.
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) of cheesecake instant pudding mix: Cheesecake flavor is the secret weapon here! It adds a incredible depth of flavor that vanilla just can’t match.
- 2 1/2 cups of cold milk: For the pudding layer. The colder the milk, the faster and firmer the pudding will set.
- 1 pound of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: The star of the show! Their bright, fresh acidity cuts through all the creamy richness beautifully.
Let’s Build Our Sweet Masterpiece
Now for the fun part—assembling our layers! There’s something so therapeutic about building a dessert like this. Put on some relaxing music, and let’s begin.
Step 1: The Foundation
First, we need to create our crust. Grab those Golden Oreos and place them in a food processor. Pulse them until they become fine, dark sand. No food processor? No problem! Place the cookies in a large zip-top bag, seal it tightly, and use a rolling pin to crush them to oblivion. It’s a fantastic way to work out any lingering stress! Pour the crumbs into a medium bowl and stir in the 6 tablespoons of melted butter until every last crumb is moistened.
Step 2: Press a
nd SetDump your buttery crumb mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Using the flat bottom of a measuring cup or a glass, press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. You want a nice, solid base for all our layers to sit on. Once it’s pressed, pop the whole dish into the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to let it set up while you work on the next layer. This little chill session makes all the difference!
Step 3: The Creamy Dreamy Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat it with a hand mixer (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) on medium speed until it’s completely smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated. Now, add in the 2 tablespoons of milk and beat again until combined.
Here’s the trick: gently fold in one-third of the thawed Cool Whip. Why fold? We want to keep all that beautiful airiness we just created. Stirring too vigorously will deflate it. Use a spatula and cut through the middle of the mixture, bringing the bottom up and over the top, turning the bowl as you go, until no white streaks remain.
Welcome back to our cozy kitchen corner, where we’re still dreaming about that luscious No Bake Strawberry Lasagna! We’ve covered the basics, but the real magic happens with these little extras that make the dessert truly your own.
Pro Tips for Dessert Perfection
After making this countless times (lucky me!), I’ve picked up a few tricks. For the creamiest possible filling, make sure your cream cheese is fully at room temperature before mixing. This prevents those pesky little lumps! Also, when pressing your crust into the pan, use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to get a firm, even layer that won’t crumble when you slice it.
Delicious Variations & Substitutions
The beauty of this dessert is how wonderfully adaptable it is! Don’t have strawberries? No problem. Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of summer berries work just as beautifully. For a citrusy twist, try a layer of lemon curd instead of pudding. If you’re needing a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or gingersnaps for the crust—it works like a charm.
For my friends who prefer a lighter option, swap the regular cream cheese for the Neufchâtel variety and use a light whipped topping. You can even use sugar-free pudding mix. I promise, it’s still incredibly delicious.
The Perfect Pairings
While this strawberry lasagna is a star all on its own, it loves company. I love serving it with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a truly special occasion, a sweet Moscato or a sparkling rosé makes for a beautiful pairing. For a non-alcoholic option, a strawberry or raspberry sparkling water complements the flavors perfectly.
Why We Love This Dessert (Besides the Taste!)
Beyond its irresistible flavor, this no-bake wonder is a true lifesaver. It keeps your kitchen cool on hot summer days, requires zero baking skills, and can be made well in advance—in fact, it gets even better as it chills. It’s the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, last-minute potlucks, or when you just need a sweet treat without the fuss.
A Few Real-Life Tips
Here’s the real talk from my kitchen to yours. If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use a pre-made graham cracker crust and just double the filling and topping for a deeper dessert. Always, always give it the full chilling time—it makes all the difference in getting those picture-perfect slices. And finally, don’t stress! This dessert is wonderfully forgiving. Just layer, chill, and enjoy the compliments.
I hope you feel inspired to make this easy, no-bake delight. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little piece of cozy, shareable joy. Happy no-baking!

Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own Easy No Bake Strawberry Lasagna Dessert! This recipe is truly a celebration of simplicity and flavor, combining a buttery graham cracker crust, a lusciously creamy cheesecake layer, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped topping into one unforgettable treat. The best part? You didn’t even have to turn on the oven. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a little slice of no-fuss joy.
I’d love to hear how your strawberry lasagna turns out! Did you add a personal twist? Share your creations with me in the comments below or tag me on social media—nothing makes me happier than seeing you bring these recipes to life. If you’re craving more easy, no-bake delights, be sure to check out my recipes for No Bake Lemon Cheesecake or Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna next!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess liquid. This extra step is important so your dessert layers stay firm and don’t become watery.
How long does this dessert need to set in the fridge?
For the best results, I recommend letting it chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. This gives the crust time to firm up and allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert! It will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. I suggest adding any fresh strawberry garnishes just before serving to keep them looking their best.
Is there a substitute for Cool Whip?
Of course! You can use an equal amount of homemade whipped cream or another stabilized whipped topping. If using homemade, keep in mind it may not hold its shape quite as long, so it’s best served within a day.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of summer berries would all be delicious. You could even try a peach or cherry version for a fun twist.