Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines layers of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a buttery Oreo crust. This no-bake dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a luscious and easy-to-make treat. With its beautiful layers and rich flavors, Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 1 package Golden Oreos (36 cookies)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip, divided
- 2 packages (3.4 ounce each) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 3½ cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
Crush the entire package of Oreos. A food processor would work great for this, but if you don’t have one, simply place the cookies in a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. When the cookies are fine crumbs, transfer them to a large bowl and mix in 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the cookie mixture into a 9×13 pan and refrigerate while you prepare the remaining layers.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
Beat together 1 cup of powdered sugar, the cream cheese, and 1 cup of Cool Whip until smooth. Spread this mixture over the chilled cookie crust.
3. Prepare the Pudding Layer:
Mix together the pudding mix, milk, and another 1 cup of Cool Whip until thickened. Spread this over the cream cheese layer.
4. Add Strawberries and Top Layer:
Layer the sliced strawberries on top of the pudding layer. Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the strawberries to complete the dessert.
5. Chill and Serve:
Keep the dessert refrigerated until ready to serve. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Chill Before Serving: Ensure the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is well chilled before serving. This helps the layers set properly and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, garnish with additional sliced strawberries, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies.
- Serve in Individual Cups: For a more elegant presentation, consider serving the dessert in individual cups or mason jars. This is also convenient for portion control and serving at parties.
- Pair with Beverages: This dessert pairs well with a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, or a light, fruity wine.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The dessert can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Prevent Drying: To prevent the dessert from drying out, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the cream cheese and pudding layers, making them less creamy and smooth.
- Pre-Cut for Convenience: If you anticipate having leftovers, consider pre-cutting the dessert into individual servings before refrigerating. This makes it easier to grab a piece without disturbing the entire dessert.
- Refrigerate Immediately: After serving, refrigerate any remaining dessert immediately to keep it fresh and prevent any dairy ingredients from spoiling.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Strawberry Cheesecake Lush stays delicious and fresh, ready to be enjoyed at any time!
