Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Recipe Ever Made

Sweet summer memories dance through this creamy strawberry cheesecake lush that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of smooth cream cheese blend perfectly with graham cracker crumbles.

Soft strawberry swirls peek through delicate, cloud-like textures.

Cool dessert lovers will adore each decadent spoonful.

Unexpected bursts of fruity flavor make this treat irresistible.

Minimal effort creates maximum satisfaction with each delightful bite.

Prepare to experience dessert magic that melts in you mouth.

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush That Melts in Your Mouth

  • No complicated baking skills needed, with straightforward steps anyone can master in under an hour of active cooking time.
  • After initial crust baking, the remaining layers require zero oven time, making it perfect for hot summer days and stress-free dessert making.
  • Combines classic cheesecake richness with fresh strawberry brightness, creating a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its vibrant taste and creamy texture.
  • Can be prepared a day in advance, allowing hosts to relax and spend more time with guests instead of last-minute dessert stress, plus it gets even more delicious as layers set in the refrigerator.

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Cheesecake Lush

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter: Delicious foundation with buttery crunch that holds the entire dessert together, select fresh graham crackers for best texture.
Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Smooth and creamy base with sweet undertones, choose full-fat cream cheese for rich consistency.
  • Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy element that adds volume and softness to the layer.
Strawberry Layer:
  • Strawberry Gelatin, Boiling Water, Cold Water: Bright red fruity layer that creates a beautiful visual and flavor profile, select high-quality gelatin for best setting.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Natural fruit that adds freshness and texture, choose ripe and sweet strawberries in season.
Topping:
  • Whipped Topping, Fresh Strawberries: Final decorative layer that adds extra creaminess and visual appeal, select bright red strawberries for garnish.

How to Build Your Strawberry Cheesecake Lush

Step 1: Create Crunchy Graham Base

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until fully blended. Press mixture firmly into bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow base to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture evenly across cooled graham crust, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Strawberry Gelatin Coating

  • Boiling water
  • Strawberry gelatin packet
  • Cold water
  • Fresh strawberry slices

Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until completely integrated. Add cold water and let mixture cool for 10 minutes. Fold in strawberry slices. Carefully pour gelatin over cheesecake layer. Refrigerate until gelatin sets completely, approximately 2-3 hours.

Step 4: Add Fluffy Cloud Topping

Spread remaining whipped topping across strawberry layer. Optionally decorate with fresh strawberry slices for elegant presentation.

Step 5: Chill and Reveal

Cover dessert and refrigerate minimum 1 hour. Slice into perfect squares. Serve chilled and enjoy delightful layers of flavor.

Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Irresistible

  • Crumb Crust Perfection: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, uniform base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Smooth Cheesecake Technique: Use room temperature cream cheese and beat thoroughly to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, creamy texture.
  • Gelatin Setting Trick: Allow strawberry gelatin to cool slightly before pouring over cheesecake layer to prevent melting and maintain distinct layers.
  • Whipped Topping Pro Tip: Add whipped topping just before serving to maintain its fluffy texture and prevent deflation.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance for enhanced flavor melding and easier serving at gatherings.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Without a Mess

  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 23 weeks. Place in an airtight container to protect flavor and texture.
  • Move frozen cheesecake lush to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, even defrosting. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent soggy layers.
  • Let the dessert sit at room temperature for 510 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Enjoy within 30 minutes of removing from the refrigerator for the best taste and texture.

Delicious Pairings for Strawberry Cheesecake Lush

  • Pair Sweet Strawberry Delight with Crisp White Wine
  • Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the dessert's sweet strawberry notes, cutting through the rich creaminess while enhancing the fruity flavors.
  • Elevate Flavor with Sparkling Rosé
  • Bubbly rosé wines provide a refreshing contrast to the dense cheesecake texture, adding light effervescence and matching the strawberry's brightness.
  • Create Contrast with Cold Brew Coffee
  • Strong cold brew coffee offers a bitter counterpoint to the dessert's sweetness, cleansing the palate between rich, creamy bites and highlighting the strawberry layer.
  • Match Dessert with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
  • Creamy vanilla bean ice cream echoes the cheesecake's smooth texture, amplifying the dessert's richness while providing a cool, complementary temperature and flavor profile.

Fun Mix-Ins for Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Layers

  • Low-Sugar Delight: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version. Use sugar-free whipped topping and gelatin to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Vegan Cheesecake Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative. Use coconut whipped cream instead of traditional whipped topping. Select plant-based gelatin or agar-agar for setting the strawberry layer.
  • Keto-Friendly Transformation: Create a nut-based crust using crushed almonds or pecans. Replace powdered sugar with erythritol. Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the filling. Choose low-carb strawberries sparingly.

Cheesecake Lush FAQs

  • How difficult is this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush to make?

This dessert is relatively easy and requires basic baking skills. Most steps are straightforward, like mixing, spreading, and chilling. No advanced pastry techniques are needed, making it perfect for beginner bakers.

  • Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. They provide better texture and flavor. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess liquid in the dessert.

  • What if I don't have strawberry gelatin?

You can substitute with another red berry flavor like raspberry gelatin. Alternatively, you could use strawberry jello mix to maintain the original recipe’s intended taste and color profile.

  • Is this dessert suitable for make-ahead preparation?

Absolutely! This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance, which actually helps the layers set perfectly. It will taste even better after chilling overnight, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.

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Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy strawberry cheesecake lush dazzles dessert enthusiasts with layers of pure indulgence. Silky smooth textures and sweet strawberry essence create a heavenly treat that will leave guests craving more.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 cups whipped topping

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whipped topping

Gelatin and Liquid Components:

  • 1 package (3 ounces or 85 grams) strawberry-flavored gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water

Additional Garnish:

  • Additional fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Craft a crumbly foundation by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until uniformly moistened.
  2. Compress the mixture decisively into the base of a rectangular baking vessel, creating a compact, even layer.
  3. Transform the crust into a golden perfection through a brief baking session at 350F, allowing it to cool completely and develop a crisp texture.
  4. Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency that promises decadent smoothness.
  5. Incorporate whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, folding gently to maintain a light, airy texture.
  6. Carefully spread the creamy cheesecake layer across the cooled crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  7. Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until no granules remain, creating a vibrant crimson liquid.
  8. Temper the gelatin mixture with cold water and allow it to cool slightly, preventing potential layer disruption.
  9. Introduce sliced strawberries into the gelatin, distributing them evenly for maximum fruity impact.
  10. Delicately cascade the strawberry-studded gelatin over the cheesecake layer, then refrigerate until completely set.
  11. Crown the dessert with a luxurious blanket of remaining whipped topping, creating a cloud-like final layer.
  12. Optional: Embellish with fresh strawberry slices for a visually stunning presentation.
  13. Refrigerate the dessert for at least one hour, allowing all components to harmonize and firm up before serving.

Notes

  • Customize the graham cracker crust by mixing in chopped nuts or using different cookie bases like Oreos for unique flavor variations.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smoother, lump-free cheesecake layer that spreads easily and creates a silky texture.
  • Prevent gelatin from setting too quickly by allowing it to cool slightly before adding to the strawberry layer, which helps maintain an even, glossy appearance.
  • For a lighter version, substitute full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat options and use sugar-free whipped topping to create a more diet-friendly dessert.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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