Strawberry Lush is a light and fruity dessert that’s perfect for summer! With layers of creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and a tasty crust, it looks as good as it tastes.
Every bite gives you that sweet, refreshing feeling. I love serving it cold; it’s like a cool hug on a warm day! 🍓💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: They form the crust of this dessert. If you can’t find graham crackers, you can use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits as a tasty alternative. I like to mix a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist sometimes!
Cream Cheese: The creaminess of this ingredient is essential. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat. For a vegan choice, consider using a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Whipped Topping: I prefer using Cool Whip, but if you want to keep it homemade, you can use your own whipped cream made from heavy cream. In a pinch, dairy-free whipped topping is a great substitute, too!
Strawberry Instant Pudding: This gives the dessert its sweet, fruity flavor. If you can’t find strawberry pudding, vanilla pudding works nicely, and you can add fresh strawberries or even some strawberry extract for flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: They are the star of this dessert! When out of season, frozen strawberries can be used too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
How Do You Make a Flaky Graham Cracker Crust?
Creating a great graham cracker crust is crucial for the right texture in Strawberry Lush. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
- Combine crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. A flat-bottomed measuring cup works well for this!
- Bake for 10 minutes and allow it to cool completely. This step helps the crust hold its shape when you add the layers.
How to Make Strawberry Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) strawberry instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
For Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Additional whipped topping for garnish
- Crushed graham crackers for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Strawberry Lush will take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus a chill time of at least 4 hours. Perfect for making ahead of time for a delicious dessert that’s ready when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a nice crust. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until it’s fully combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
3. Adding the Pudding Layer:
Now, let’s make the strawberry pudding layer! In another bowl, whisk together the strawberry pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until it thickens nicely. Once thickened, spread this strawberry pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Topping It Off:
Next, layer the sliced strawberries on top of the pudding. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the strawberries, creating a lovely layer. Finally, garnish with additional sliced strawberries and sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for that extra crunch.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover your Strawberry Lush and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or longer if you can wait! When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and enjoy every mouthful of this creamy strawberry goodness!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option. The flavor will be slightly different, but both alternatives will still provide a creamy texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the top with additional whipped topping to keep it fresh and moist!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
You can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the dessert from becoming soggy. Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, but frozen can work in a pinch!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
