No-Bake Strawberry Delight is a gorgeous layered dessert that’s sure to impress! With layers of fresh strawberries and a creamy filling over a buttery graham cracker crust, it’s the perfect easy summer dessert for any occasion.

If you love layered no-bake desserts as much as I do, try this Blueberry Yum Yum, Oreo Dessert and Cheesecake Cups next!

Strawberry Delight on a plate topped with graham cracker crumbs and sliced strawberries.

No-bake strawberry delight will definitely steal the show! It looks impressive but is so easy to make with a graham cracker crust that’s topped with fresh strawberries and layers of cheesecake filling, Cool Whip and garnish.

Every bite of the filling is bursting with tangy cream cheese, a sweet strawberry taste, and bright lemon flavor that are irresistible together!  The crunch of the crumbly graham cracker crust is a perfect contrast to the creamy, fluffy, sweet filling. 

There are a few steps to create all of the layers, but they’re all super easy and straightforward. The necessary chill time makes this a great make-ahead cake for parties, potlucks or holiday gatherings. The pretty pink color and the refreshing flavor make this strawberry delight perfect for summertime celebrations like birthdays, Mother’s Day and July 4th!

A stunning layered dessert is so fun to serve! Try our chocolate delight, cherry delight and layered pistachio dessert next!

Ingredients needed

This strawberry delight recipe is made with simple ingredients, some of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:

Bowls with cream cheese, fresh strawberries, graham cracker crumbs and sugar.

For the crust

  • Graham cracker crumbs: Use a food processor to make fine crumbs from about 10 to 12 full sheets of graham crackers or buy the crumbs in a box from the store.
  • Melted butter: Binds the crust together and gives it rich flavor.
  • Granulated sugar: To sweeten the crust.

For the topping

  • Strawberries: Thinly sliced fresh, juicy strawberries to layer over the crust and diced strawberries for garnish on top.
  • Cream cheese: Use two 8-ounce package cream cheese bricks, not cream cheese spread. I like to use Philadelphia’s cream cheese best. Be sure to remove the cream cheese from the fridge to soften to room temperature, so it’s easy to mix with the other ingredients.
  • Confectioners’ sugar: Powdered sugar perfectly sweetens the cream cheese filling while keeping it nice and smooth.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds flavor and depth to the filling.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Gives a light, bright taste.
  • Jello mix: Powdered strawberry jello mix adds a delightful pink color and more strawberry flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Cool Whip: This whipped topping is combined with the cream cheese and added on top for more sweet fluffiness!

Variations and substitutions

  • Oreo delight: Try using Oreos to make the crust and add Oreo cookie crumbs as garnish. You can follow the crust recipe from my no-bake Oreo pie and use the exact same amounts.
  • Use different fruit: You can really make this with any fruit you’d like. Raspberries, pineapple or cherry would be delicious.
  • Switch up the Jello mix: If you decide to use a different fruit, use the same fruit-flavored Jello mix.

How to make this recipe

Strawberry delight has 6 layers – a graham cracker crust, fresh strawberries, fluffy cheesecake filling, strawberry-flavored cheesecake, whipped topping and a garnish of fresh strawberries and cookie crumbs. Here are the simple steps to make it:

Pressing graham cracker crust into a pan.

Step 1: Combine and stir together all crust ingredients in a medium bowl. Then, firmly press with fingers into an 8×8-inch pan.

Sliced strawberries layered over crust in square pan.

Step 2: Place the sliced strawberries evenly over the crust, reserving about 5 slices or 1/4 cup to dice for the garnish. Place crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the topping.

Using a hand mixer to beat cream cheese with sugar and lemon juice.

Step 3: Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar, vanilla, and lemon and beat again until creamy with no lumps, about 3 minutes.

Folding Cool Whip into cream cheese mixture.

Step 4: With a large spoon or spatula, gently fold 2 cups of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.

Spreading cream cheese mixture in a pan.

Step 5: Remove the crust from the refrigerator. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the strawberries.

Stirring powdered jello mix into cream cheese mixture.

Step 6: Fold in 1/4 cup of the strawberry gelatin mix to the remaining cream cheese mixture. Stir to combine.

Spreading pink cream cheese mixture in pan.

Step 7: Spread the strawberry jello mixture on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Spreading Cool Whip in a pan.

Step 8: Evenly spread remaining Cool Whip over the top. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour, or as long as overnight.

Layered strawberry delight dessert on a plate.

Step 9: When ready to serve, add the reserved diced strawberries and some extra graham cracker crumbs to garnish, slice and enjoy.

Helpful tips

This strawberry dessert is super tasty and really quite easy! It’s pretty much foolproof, but here are some tips, so that it turns out perfect every time you make it!

  • Cream cheese: Be sure to allow the cream cheese to fully soften to room temperature. This will ensure it mixes easily with the other filling ingredients and the filling isn’t lumpy.
  • Cool Whip: Be sure to place the whipped topping in the refrigerator to thaw completely before mixing, this usually takes about 3.5 – 4 hours. Or leave it out at room temperature for about an hour.
  • Adding the topping: Wait to add any garnish like cookie crumbs until right before serving, so they don’t become soggy.
  • Clean slices: Place the dessert in the freezer about 30 minutes before you plan to slice it. This will help firm up the layers even more and keep them intact as you cut into the dessert. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut into slices for serving. For extra neat layers that don’t run together as you slice, wipe your knife clean with a paper towel between each cut.

Frequently asked questions

What is strawberry delight?

Strawberry delight is a layered no-bake dessert that’s also commonly known as strawberry yum-yum, strawberry lush and strawberry dream. It typically has six layers: a buttery graham cracker crust, fresh strawberries, a layer of plain whipped cream cheese, followed by a layer of strawberry-flavored cream cheese, a whipped cream or Cool Whip topping and a garnish of diced fresh strawberries.

Can I use a 9×9-inch pan?

Yes, a 9×9-inch baking dish will work! The dessert may be just a tad bit thinner. To make this in a 9×13-inch pan, I recommend doubling the recipe.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

If strawberries are not in season, you can use frozen strawberries. I recommend slicing them while they are still a bit frozen. Then, let them thaw and drain them before layering them over the crust.

Make ahead and storage recommendations

  • Make ahead: You can make this layered strawberry dessert about 24 hours in advance. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until serving time. 
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in the pan (covered with plastic wrap or a lid) or transfer to an airtight container. This is best within the first 3 days but should last up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing, as the taste and texture will not be as pleasant..
Bite of strawberry delight on a fork.

More summer desserts

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Strawberry Delight on a plate topped with graham cracker crumbs and sliced strawberries.
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Strawberry Delight

Yield: 9 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Treat yourself with this delicious and easy No-Bake Strawberry Delight! Layered with fresh strawberries and a creamy filling, it's the perfect summer dessert for any occasion.
Author: Kim

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs , (about 10 – 12 full sheet graham crackers)
  • 1/3 cup (75g) melted butter
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

For the topping

  • 1 pound whole strawberries, thinly sliced, reserving ¼ cup to dice for garnish
  • 2 (8 ounce) (452g) blocks of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (125g) confectioners' sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 (3 ounce) box strawberry jello mix, NOT instant
  • 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, divided

Instructions 

  • Combine and stir together all crust ingredients in a medium bowl. Then, firmly press with fingers into an 8×8-inch pan.
  • Place the sliced strawberries evenly over the crust, reserving about 5 slices or 1/4 cup to dice for the garnish. Place crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the topping.
  • Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar, vanilla, and lemon and beat again until creamy with no lumps, about 3 minutes.
  • With a large spoon or spatula, gently fold 2 cups of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Remove the crust from the refrigerator. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the strawberries.
  • Fold in 1/4 cup of the strawberry jello mix to the remaining cream cheese mixture.
  • Spread the strawberry jello mixture on top of the cream cheese mixture.
  • Evenly spread remaining Cool Whip over the top. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour, or as long as overnight.
  • When ready to serve, add the reserved diced strawberries and some extra graham cracker crumbs to garnish, slice and enjoy.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in the pan (covered with plastic wrap or a lid) or transfer to an airtight container. This is best within the first 3 days but should last up to 5 days. 
photos by amie of food duchess
Author: Kim
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 426kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 324mg, Potassium: 200mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 937IU, Vitamin C: 30mg, Calcium: 98mg, Iron: 1mg

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