Strawberry Lush is a tasty treat that layers soft cream, crunchy crust, and fresh strawberries. It’s a sweet, fruity dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or just a sunny day!
I love how refreshing it is! 🍓 You can prepare it ahead of time and impress your friends. Plus, who can resist a slice of bright, strawberry goodness? It’s sure to make anyone smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives this dessert its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re vegan.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener blends easily, making it perfect for creamy mixtures. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use sugar substitutes or make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar until fine.
Whipped Topping: I love using whipped topping because it’s light and fluffy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try homemade whipped cream instead! Just whip heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form for a fresh taste.
Strawberry Pudding Mix: This adds sweetness and a nice strawberry flavor. You can use vanilla pudding as an alternative and add fresh strawberry puree for that fruity taste.
Fresh Strawberries: Try to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, consider using other berries like raspberries or blueberries instead!
Graham Crackers: They create a classic crust. If gluten-free, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts like almonds for a crunchy base.
How Do I Get a Perfect Graham Cracker Crust?
The graham cracker crust sets the foundation for your Strawberry Lush, and getting it just right is essential! Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Start by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Mix the crumbs with melted butter and sugar until it resembles wet sand.
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of your baking dish. Make sure the layer is even; this will help it hold together when sliced.
- Bake the crust until lightly golden (about 10 minutes) and let it cool completely before layering with the cream cheese mixture. This guarantees a crunchy base for the lush!
How to Make Strawberry Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 package (9 oz) graham crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
For the Strawberry Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant strawberry pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Strawberry Lush will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking time, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, total time may vary around 4 hours and 25 minutes, depending on your chilling time, but most of that is just waiting for the layers to set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter with the granulated sugar. Then, take your graham crackers and crush them (you can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin). Combine the crushed crackers with the butter and sugar until everything is well combined. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form your crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until it turns lightly golden, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once combined, gently fold in 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping until it’s all mixed in nicely. Now, spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust to create your first layer.
3. Create the Strawberry Pudding Layer:
In a different bowl, whisk together the instant strawberry pudding mix and the cold milk. Let this sit for a couple of minutes to thicken up. After it thickens, gently fold in another cup of whipped topping until your pudding is nice and smooth. Layer this pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer in your baking dish.
4. Assemble and Chill:
Next, take your sliced fresh strawberries and spread them evenly over the pudding layer. Then, finish off with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it out nicely over the strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight, to allow everything to set properly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, you can garnish with additional sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers if you like. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delightful and refreshing Strawberry Lush!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese or Whipped Topping?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping can be substituted in this recipe if you prefer a lighter version. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Strawberry Lush gluten-free, simply substitute the regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies. Just ensure that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before slicing and adding them on top to prevent the layers from getting soggy.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the crust may lose some of its crunch over time, but it will still be tasty!
