If you’re looking for a refreshing, creamy, and fruity dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than this irresistible Strawberry Lush recipe. It combines layers of creamy goodness, sweet strawberries, and a crunchy crust, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a BBQ, or just a treat to enjoy at home, this dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients
for the Crust
• 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts
for the Layers
• 8 oz package cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 16 oz container Cool Whip
• 3 cups milk
• 2 packages instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz each)
• 1 quart strawberries, sliced
Instructions
For the crust:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and chopped nuts.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
For the cream cheese layer:
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip and mix until smooth.
4. Spread this cream cheese mixture on the cooled crust.
For the pudding layer:
5. In a mixing bowl, combine milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until the pudding forms and thickens.
6. Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
For the strawberry topping:
7. Layer sliced strawberries on top of the pudding mixture, saving some for the final top layer.
8. Top with the remaining Cool Whip and the reserved strawberries.

Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Serve Strawberry Lush chilled for the best flavor and texture. The layers will be firm and refreshing, making each bite a delightful treat.
- For an elegant presentation, slice the dessert into squares and garnish each piece with a fresh strawberry or a sprig of mint.
- If you’re serving at a party or gathering, consider using individual portions in small dessert cups for easy serving and a more personalized touch.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Strawberry Lush in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days. The creamy layers will remain smooth and the strawberries will stay fresh.
- Freezing: While the crust and pudding layers freeze well, the whipped topping and strawberries may lose some texture when frozen. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the dessert without the strawberries on top, then add fresh strawberries when ready to serve.
- Thawing: If frozen, allow the dessert to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Variations
1. Mixed Berry Lush:
For a twist on the classic strawberry version, replace the strawberries with a mixture of other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. This variation adds a burst of color and a variety of flavors to the dessert.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Lush:
Add a layer of chocolate pudding or drizzle melted chocolate over the crust before layering the cream cheese mixture. This chocolatey addition pairs perfectly with the fresh strawberries, creating a rich and indulgent dessert.
3. Lemon Lush:
For a citrusy twist, replace the vanilla pudding with lemon pudding and top the dessert with a few lemon zest shavings. The refreshing lemon flavor complements the creamy layers and adds a bright, zesty note.
4. Coconut Strawberry Lush:
Incorporate toasted coconut into the crust mixture for an added texture and tropical flavor. You can also sprinkle shredded coconut over the top layer for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
5. No-Bake Strawberry Lush:
If you’re looking to save some time or avoid using the oven, skip the baking step for the crust. Simply refrigerate the crust until it firms up, then proceed with the layering process. This no-bake version is just as delicious and easy to prepare.
6. Gluten-Free Strawberry Lush:
For a gluten-free version, swap the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free graham crackers. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you’ll have a dessert that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
7. Peanut Butter Strawberry Lush:
Add a peanut butter layer between the cream cheese mixture and the pudding layer. This creates a rich and creamy peanut butter flavor that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries. You can also drizzle some peanut butter over the top for an extra indulgence.
Each of these variations brings a unique flavor profile to the table, making this versatile dessert even more enjoyable for different tastes and occasions!
FAQs
1. Can I make Strawberry Lush ahead of time?
Yes, Strawberry Lush can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator overnight will help the flavors meld together and give it a firmer texture. Just be sure to add the strawberries on top shortly before serving to keep them fresh.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture that could affect the texture of the dessert.
3. Can I substitute the Cool Whip with whipped cream?
Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream. Whip about 2 cups of heavy cream with 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, and use it in place of Cool Whip in the recipe.
4. How do I prevent the crust from being too soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to bake it as instructed, and allow it to cool completely before layering the cream cheese and pudding mixtures. This will help the crust stay crisp.
5. Can I use a different type of nuts in the crust?
Yes, you can experiment with different nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. The nuts add flavor and texture to the crust, so feel free to use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
6. How long does Strawberry Lush last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Strawberry Lush will keep for 3-4 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to eat it within 2-3 days.
7. Can I make this recipe without pudding mix?
While the pudding mix is essential for the creamy texture, you could try using homemade vanilla custard as a substitute. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before adding it to the dessert.
8. How do I prevent the strawberries from wilting or releasing too much juice?
To prevent wilting or excess juice from the strawberries, you can sprinkle a small amount of sugar over the sliced strawberries and let them sit for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dessert. This helps absorb excess moisture.
9. Can I freeze Strawberry Lush?
Yes, you can freeze the dessert, though it may alter the texture of the whipped topping and strawberries. To freeze, omit the strawberries on top and freeze the dessert without them. When ready to serve, add fresh strawberries and allow it to thaw in the fridge.
10. Is there a gluten-free version of Strawberry Lush?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free Strawberry Lush by substituting the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free graham crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
This Strawberry Lush is the ultimate dessert to impress your guests or simply treat yourself and your loved ones to something sweet and creamy. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a dessert that’s sure to be the star of any meal. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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Strawberry Lush
Description
If you’re looking for a refreshing, creamy, and fruity dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than this irresistible Strawberry Lush recipe. It combines layers of creamy goodness, sweet strawberries, and a crunchy crust, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a BBQ, or just a treat to enjoy at home, this dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Crust
• 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts
Ingredients for the Layers
• 8 oz package cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 16 oz container Cool Whip
• 3 cups milk
• 2 packages instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz each)
• 1 quart strawberries, sliced
Instructions
For the crust:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and chopped nuts.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
For the cream cheese layer:
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip and mix until smooth.
4. Spread this cream cheese mixture on the cooled crust.
For the pudding layer:
5. In a mixing bowl, combine milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until the pudding forms and thickens.
6. Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
For the strawberry topping:
7. Layer sliced strawberries on top of the pudding mixture, saving some for the final top layer.
8. Top with the remaining Cool Whip and the reserved strawberries.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Serve Strawberry Lush chilled for the best flavor and texture. The layers will be firm and refreshing, making each bite a delightful treat.
- For an elegant presentation, slice the dessert into squares and garnish each piece with a fresh strawberry or a sprig of mint.
- If you’re serving at a party or gathering, consider using individual portions in small dessert cups for easy serving and a more personalized touch.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Strawberry Lush in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days. The creamy layers will remain smooth and the strawberries will stay fresh.
- Freezing: While the crust and pudding layers freeze well, the whipped topping and strawberries may lose some texture when frozen. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the dessert without the strawberries on top, then add fresh strawberries when ready to serve.
- Thawing: If frozen, allow the dessert to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.