No Bake Strawberry Delight recipe – Easy 4 Layer Summer Dessert

This no bake strawberry delight recipe creates the most irresistible layered dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations. With its buttery graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese layer, fresh strawberries, and silky strawberry topping, this strawberry dessert with cream cheese and cool whip delivers restaurant-quality results without turning on your oven.

What makes this strawberry graham cracker cool whip dessert so special? It’s completely make-ahead friendly, feeds a crowd, and requires zero baking skills. The combination of textures – from the crunchy crust to the creamy filling to the fresh fruit – creates the perfect bite every single time.

Why This Strawberry Delight Recipe Works

Unlike traditional baked desserts, this no bake strawberry dessert stays perfectly cool and refreshing even on the hottest summer days. The graham cracker base provides just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, while the cream cheese layer adds richness without being overwhelming. Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and beautiful color, making this dessert as stunning as it is delicious.

Popular Variations of Strawberry Graham Cracker Desserts

This classic strawberries and cool whip dessert belongs to a beloved family of layered treats that always impress:

1. Strawberry Pretzel Salad – adds a salty-sweet pretzel crust for extra crunch
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Squares – includes vanilla wafer cookies in the base
3. Triple Berry Delight – combines strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
4. Chocolate Strawberry Dream – adds a chocolate pudding layer for extra indulgence

Each variation uses similar techniques, making this recipe a perfect foundation for your own creative twists.

Complete Ingredient List for Strawberry Delight Recipe

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 sleeves graham crackers (about 18 crackers), finely crushed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional, if berries aren’t sweet enough)

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions | Strawberry Delight recipe

Creating the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

The foundation of any great strawberry graham cracker dessert starts with the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine your finely crushed graham crackers with melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly wet.

Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even, compact layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes while you prepare the other layers.

Making the Cream Cheese Layer

This strawberry dessert with cream cheese and cool whip gets its signature richness from a perfectly balanced cream cheese mixture. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Add vanilla extract, then gently fold in the Cool Whip using the lowest mixer setting or a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix – you want to maintain the light, airy texture.

Spread this mixture evenly over your chilled graham cracker crust, reaching all the way to the edges to create a seal that prevents the layers from sliding.

Preparing the Fresh Strawberry Layer

For the best strawberries and cool whip dessert, choose strawberries that are bright red, fragrant, and firm to the touch. Hull and slice them into ¼-inch thick pieces for optimal coverage and eating experience.

If your strawberries aren’t perfectly sweet, toss them gently with ¼ cup of granulated sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes to release their natural juices. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer, creating a beautiful mosaic of red fruit.

Creating the Strawberry Gelatin Topping

The final layer is what transforms this from a simple strawberry graham cracker cool whip dessert into something truly spectacular. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the strawberry gelatin powder, cornstarch, and sugar.

Slowly add the boiling water, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cold water.

Allow this mixture to cool for 20-25 minutes until it’s still pourable but not hot enough to melt the Cool Whip layer. Carefully spoon the cooled gelatin mixture over the strawberries, ensuring even coverage.

Chilling and Storage Tips | Strawberry Delight recipe

For the best results with this no bake strawberry dessert, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is even better. This allows all the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

The dessert will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for advance preparation. For serving, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water between cuts to ensure clean, beautiful slices.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results | Strawberry Delight recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened and Cool Whip is thawed for the smoothest texture.

Fresh Berry Selection: Choose strawberries that are in season for the best flavor and appearance.

Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert actually improves after sitting overnight, making it ideal for entertaining.

Serving Size: This recipe easily serves 12-15 people, making it perfect for large gatherings.

Why This Recipe Outperforms Others

This strawberry delight recipe stands apart because of its perfect balance of textures and flavors, foolproof instructions, and stunning presentation. The addition of cornstarch to the gelatin layer prevents it from being too firm, while the graham cracker crust provides the ideal sweet-salty contrast to the creamy layers above.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, bringing dessert to a potluck, or simply want to treat your family to something special, this no bake strawberry dessert delivers impressive results every single time.

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