Hello, dessert lovers! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is a showstopper. Layers of creamy cheesecake, luscious strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust come together to create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday party, or a weekend indulgence, this no-bake-inspired layered dessert will wow your taste buds and your guests!
Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is the ultimate layered dessert, combining the rich flavors of cheesecake with the sweet, tangy goodness of strawberries. Its eye-catching presentation makes it an instant centerpiece, while the easy preparation ensures you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. Inspired by classic cheesecakes and fruity desserts, this recipe is the perfect way to elevate your dessert game. Let’s explore how to create this layered masterpiece!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this stunning Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna:
The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
The Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
The Strawberry Layer:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Assembly:
- Additional whipped cream for topping
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. The mixture should resemble damp sand.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping, ensuring the mixture is light and airy.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an even layer.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries soften. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread the cooled strawberry mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, creating a vibrant red topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake layer.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
5. Add the Final Touches
- Before serving, spread additional whipped cream over the strawberry layer and garnish with fresh, sliced strawberries for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure a Stable Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup can help achieve an even, compact crust.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Strawberry Substitutions: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute them with raspberries or a mix of frozen and fresh berries. Adjust the sugar as needed to balance tartness.
Cooking Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna turns out perfectly:
- Perfect Layers: Chill each layer briefly before adding the next for cleaner, more defined layers.
- Whipping Cream Alternative: If you prefer homemade whipped cream over whipped topping, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Customize the Garnishes: Add shaved white chocolate, toasted almonds, or mint leaves for an extra layer of sophistication.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is perfect on its own, but here are some creative serving ideas to elevate your presentation:
- Serve chilled with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry syrup for added decadence.
- Pair with a glass of sparkling rosé or a light dessert wine for a festive touch.
- For individual servings, layer the ingredients in parfait glasses or small mason jars to create mini strawberry cheesecake lasagnas.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving (serves approximately 12):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Vitamin C: 35%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 4%
This dessert is indulgent yet balanced, offering a sweet treat with fresh fruit and creamy textures.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve as they meld together over time.
Freezing Option: If you’d like to prepare this dessert in advance, freeze it (before adding the final whipped cream layer) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Leftover Ideas: Transform leftovers into a layered trifle with additional whipped cream and crushed graham crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! Try a chocolate cookie crust or a shortbread crust for a unique twist.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used in place of cornstarch for thickening the strawberry layer.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
You can make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, use dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping, and vegan butter. Substitute almond or oat milk for a creamy consistency.
Related Recipes
If you loved this recipe, here are some other delicious treats to try:
- No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Berry Trifle with Vanilla Cream
- Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
- Chocolate Strawberry Tart
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna is a delightful layered dessert that combines fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery graham cracker crust into one showstopping dish. It’s simple to prepare yet impressively elegant, making it perfect for any gathering or celebration. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out—your guests will be asking for seconds in no time!