Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Delight

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush blends layers of creamy cheesecake pudding, golden cookie crust, and fresh strawberries into a no-bake dessert that feels both simple and special. It is cool creamy and sweet with a lovely crunch at the bottom making it a favorite for any gathering where you want to impress with little fuss.

My family started requesting this at every summer barbecue when I first brought it to a Fourth of July potluck. It is the one pan that always comes home empty.

Ingredients

• Golden Oreos: about 36 cookies These give you a sweet and slightly salty crunch for the crust Choose cookies that are fresh and crisp for best texture
• Butter: melted Helps glue the cookie crumbs into a firm base Choose real butter for richer flavor
• Cream cheese: at room temperature Makes the filling smooth and tangy Be sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer without any gritty texture Sift your sugar if there are lumps
• Cool Whip: Provides loft and a fluffy creamy texture throughout Use the regular kind for the most stable layers
• Instant cheesecake pudding mix: Adds rich cheesecake flavor and helps the dessert set Choose sugar free for a lighter option if preferred
• Whole milk: Blends with the pudding for a creamy filling Go for full fat milk for richer consistency
• Fresh strawberries: sliced Adds brightness sweetness and color to the finished dessert Pick berries that are firm and deeply red for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Golden Oreo Crust:

Crush the cookies in a food processor or with a rolling pin until you have fine even crumbs. Stir in melted butter with a fork until the mixture is fully combined and moist throughout. Press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the bottom of a nine by thirteen baking dish to form a solid crust. Chill in the refrigerator to help it set.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer:

In a mixing bowl beat together cream cheese powdered sugar and one cup of Cool Whip using a hand mixer. Go slowly to achieve a fluffy and lump free texture. Spread this mixture gently over the cold crust using an offset spatula for evenness.

Create the Cheesecake Pudding Layer:

In a separate bowl whisk the instant cheesecake pudding mixes with whole milk. Whisk briskly until it begins to thicken as this ensures the pudding sets properly. Gently fold in one cup of Cool Whip to lighten the layer before spreading over the cream cheese base.

Add the Strawberry Layer:

Arrange sliced strawberries all over the top of the pudding layer. Cover every bit so each serving gets strawberries in every bite. Press them in lightly for a dramatic colorful finish.

Chill and Set:

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow all layers to firm up and flavors to blend. Longer chilling gives a cleaner cut and a silkier texture.

Serve the Dessert:

Once chilled cut the lush into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Serve cold with extra berries or a swirl of whipped cream if you like.

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Fresh strawberries are my favorite for this dessert. Nothing matches their sweet juiciness and vibrant color when paired with the creamy layers. My kids love to help spread the berries and create little patterns on top and I always think of their happy sticky fingers when I make it.

Storage Tips

Keep the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. If making ahead do not add the berries until closer to serving so they stay fresh. Avoid freezing as whipped toppings and pudding layers can separate or turn grainy after thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap Golden Oreos with vanilla wafers or graham crackers if you like. If you have only vanilla or white chocolate pudding on hand those will work in place of cheesecake pudding. For dairy free guests use almond milk and a dairy free whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture. Great for spring and summer celebrations or potlucks where you want something light and sweet. Garnish each square with a little extra Cool Whip and a whole berry for extra flair.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Layered no bake desserts like this one are a nostalgic classic in many American households. Their popularity grew alongside products like Cool Whip and instant pudding which made crowd pleasing sweets simple and convenient. This recipe captures that retro comfort with a fresh homemade feel.

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients form the crust base?

Crushed Golden Oreos combined with melted butter create a firm, flavorful crust that holds the dessert layers together.

→ How is the creamy middle layer prepared?

Softened cream cheese is beaten with powdered sugar and Cool Whip until smooth, then spread over the chilled crust.

→ What gives the dessert its light and fluffy texture?

Cool Whip folded into the cheesecake pudding mix adds airiness, balancing the richness of the cheese layers.

→ Can other fruits replace the strawberries?

Yes, fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can be used to vary the flavor and appearance.

→ How long should the dessert chill before serving?

Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the layers to set firmly and flavors to meld together beautifully.

→ Is this dessert suitable for freezing?

Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the whipped topping and pudding layers.