If you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that’s as easy as it is stunning, look no further than Layered Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna! This dreamy dessert features layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and crushed cookies, all assembled in a lasagna-like fashion. It’s light, fruity, and absolutely irresistible. The best part? It’s a no-bake recipe, which means it's perfect for summer days or when you need a make-ahead dessert for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

What is Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna?

Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is a layered dessert consisting of graham cracker or cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Unlike traditional cheesecake, this recipe is no-bake, making it easy to prepare ahead of time. Each bite gives you the perfect combination of textures and flavors: the crunch from the cookie crust, the smoothness of the cheesecake layer, and the fresh sweetness of strawberries. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients List for Layered Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna

For the Crust:

Graham Crackers or Golden Oreos: 2 cups, finely crushed.
Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted.
Sugar: 2 tablespoons, granulated (optional, depending on the sweetness of the cookies).

For the Cheesecake Layer:

Cream Cheese: 16 oz (2 blocks), softened to room temperature.
Powdered Sugar: ½ cup.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups, whipped to stiff peaks (or 1 tub of Cool Whip for convenience).

For the Strawberry Layer:

Fresh Strawberries: 3 cups, sliced.
Strawberry Jam: ¼ cup (optional, for extra strawberry flavor).

For the Whipped Topping:

Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups.
Powdered Sugar: 2 tablespoons.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.

For Garnish:

Strawberries: Halved or sliced, for garnish.
Crumbled Graham Crackers or Cookies: For garnish (optional).
White Chocolate Shavings: Optional, for a fancy touch.

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily customize this Layered Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna recipe to suit your tastes:

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese, butter, and whipped cream with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
Fruit Variations: Try replacing the strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of different berries.
Chocolate Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) for a chocolatey twist.
Lemon Variation: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling or layer in lemon curd with the strawberries for a fresh citrus flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers or Golden Oreos and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and have the consistency of wet sand. If your cookies aren't very sweet, you can add the granulated sugar.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crust tightly.
Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the other layers to help it firm up.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined and smooth.
Fold in the whipped cream (or Cool Whip if using) until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix.
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Place the dish back in the fridge to chill while you prepare the strawberries.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer

Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries.
If you’d like extra strawberry flavor, gently toss the sliced strawberries with strawberry jam in a small bowl.
Layer the sliced strawberries evenly over the cheesecake layer. You can reserve some for garnish if desired.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping

In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the strawberry layer.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Garnish the top with more fresh strawberries, crumbled graham crackers or cookies, and white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to ensure your Layered Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna turns out perfectly:

Not Chilling Long Enough: For the best texture and flavor, let the lasagna chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help the layers set properly.
Using Cold Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
Overwhipping the Cream: Be careful not to overwhip the heavy cream. Stop when you have stiff peaks, as overwhipping can cause the cream to become grainy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Layered Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is beautiful when served in layers, and it’s easy to dress it up for special occasions.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna

Chilled: Serve this dessert chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice clean squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife between slices for the best presentation.
With Extra Fruit: Serve each slice with a side of extra fresh berries for a fresh, colorful garnish.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna

Layered in a Clear Dish: The layers of this dessert are beautiful, so use a clear baking dish if possible to show them off.
Garnish with White Chocolate Shavings: For an elegant presentation, add a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings on top just before serving.
Top with Whole Strawberries: Garnish the top of the lasagna with whole strawberries or halved strawberries for a stunning finishing touch.

Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors get even better after it chills for several hours or overnight.
Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries give the best flavor, but if strawberries aren’t in season, you can use thawed frozen strawberries.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cheesecake filling and whipped topping as you go. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze strawberry cheesecake lasagna?
A: Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture of the whipped cream may change slightly. If you do freeze it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
A: Yes! For convenience, you can substitute Cool Whip for the homemade whipped cream in both the cheesecake layer and the whipped topping.

Q: How long will this dessert last in the fridge?
A: This dessert will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Can I make this dessert with other fruits?
A: Absolutely! You can use a variety of fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, or peaches for different flavors and textures.

Q: Do I have to use graham crackers for the crust?
A: No, you can use Golden Oreos, digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies for the crust.

Conclusion

This Layered Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust, each bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making this for a party, a holiday gathering, or simply to treat yourself, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, since it’s made ahead and requires no baking, it’s an easy dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Happy no-baking! 🍓🍰