Description
A deliciously creamy and fruity no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham cracker crust, cream cheese mixture, vanilla pudding, and strawberry Jello with fresh strawberries. Perfect for a refreshing summer treat or any occasion where a cool, easy-to-make dessert is desired.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz)
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
Strawberry Jello Layer
- 1 (6 oz) box strawberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 ½ cups cold water
- 3 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
Topping
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Extra strawberry slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a firm crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy. Spread this evenly over the chilled crust layer.
- Prepare and add pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 ½ cups cold milk until thickened according to package instructions. Spread the thickened pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Dissolve and chill Jello: In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello powder in 2 cups boiling water, stirring well until fully dissolved. Stir in 1 ½ cups cold water and place in the refrigerator to chill until slightly thickened but not fully set, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Add strawberries to Jello and layer: Once the Jello mixture is slightly thickened, gently stir in the sliced fresh strawberries. Carefully pour this strawberry Jello mixture over the pudding layer, spreading evenly.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
- Add topping and garnish: Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top layer. Optionally, garnish with extra strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, use strawberry-flavored graham crackers or add a few crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the crust mixture.
- Ensure each layer is fully chilled before adding the next to prevent them from mixing together.
- This dessert is best stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
