How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Delight

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dessert, look no further than No-Bake Strawberry Delight. This refreshing treat combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with creamy layers and a hint of graham cracker crunch—all without turning on the oven. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light ending to any meal, this dessert is sure to impress. Here’s how you can make it.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Cream Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or a similar-sized dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down firmly.
3. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the other layers.

2. Make the Strawberry Layer

1. Cook Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cool: Remove from heat and let the strawberry mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, spread it evenly over the graham cracker crust in the pan. Return the pan to the refrigerator to set while you prepare the cream layer.

3. Prepare the Cream Layer

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
2. Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
3. Layer Cream Mixture: Spread the cream mixture evenly over the strawberry layer in the pan.

4. Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the dessert is set and firm.
2. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, you can garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Best No-Bake Strawberry Delight

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give the dessert a vibrant flavor and color. If strawberries are not in season, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
• Make Ahead: This dessert is great for making ahead. It can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Substitute Options: For a different twist, you can substitute other berries like blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries. You can also use a different type of cookie for the crust, such as chocolate wafer cookies.

No-Bake Strawberry Delight is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just craving a light and easy dessert, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy every bite of this delightful treat!