Strawberry Delight
This no-bake Strawberry Delight is the kind of dessert that makes you feel like summer never ends. It’s the kind of dessert that’s easy to put together, chills to perfection, and disappears fast at any party.
With layers of creamy cheesecake, fluffy strawberry mousse, and a buttery Golden Oreo crust, every bite is light, fruity, and downright irresistible.
The magic happens with a mix of strawberry gelatin, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries, creating a soft, mousse-like layer that sits beautifully over a rich cream cheese base. Everything is stacked on a cookie crumb crust that adds just the right amount of crunch.
Strawberry Delight Recipe Highlights
- No baking required, making it perfect for hot days
- Light and creamy layers with real strawberries for fresh flavor
- Golden Oreo crust adds the right balance of sweetness and crunch
- Ideal for making ahead since it needs time to chill
- Great for potlucks, BBQs, and summer celebrations
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
COOKIES – Golden Oreo cookies create a sweet, buttery crust that holds up well under the creamy layers. Their vanilla flavor complements the strawberries without overpowering them. Crush them into fine crumbs for a firm, even base that won’t crumble when sliced.
BUTTER – Unsalted butter is best for binding the cookie crust without adding extra salt. Melted butter coats the crumbs evenly, helping them stick together and form a solid foundation for the dessert.
CREAM CHEESE – Full-fat cream cheese gives the cheesecake layer its signature richness and smooth texture. Let it soften at room temperature so it blends easily and creates a lump-free filling.
SUGAR – Powdered sugar sweetens the cheesecake layer without making it grainy. It dissolves smoothly into the cream cheese, keeping the texture light and creamy.
LEMON – A splash of lemon juice balances the sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor. It also helps brighten up the cream cheese layer, keeping it from tasting too heavy.
VANILLA – A little vanilla extract rounds out the flavors in the cheesecake layer, adding a warm, sweet depth that pairs well with both the cookies and the strawberries.
WHIPPED TOPPING – This adds lightness to the cheesecake and strawberry layers, creating the fluffy texture that makes this dessert so easy to enjoy. Thaw it in the fridge before using so it blends smoothly without becoming runny.
GELATIN – Strawberry gelatin is key to creating a mousse-like strawberry layer with a bright, fruity flavor. It helps the filling set properly, keeping the layers distinct and sliceable.
WATER – Boiling water dissolves the gelatin completely so it sets evenly, while ice cubes help cool it down quickly, preventing the whipped topping from melting when mixed in.
HEAVY CREAM – This adds richness and a slightly denser texture to the strawberry layer, making it feel more like a mousse rather than a simple gelatin mixture. Stir it in gently so the consistency stays smooth.
STRAWBERRIES – Fresh chopped strawberries bring real fruit flavor to the dessert and add bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite. For the best texture, use ripe but firm strawberries so they hold their shape without becoming mushy.
How To Make a Strawberry Delight
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Mix crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter and press into a baking dish.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth, then fold in whipped topping. Spread over the crust.
- Whisk gelatin with boiling water, then stir in ice cubes until dissolved. Add heavy cream and fold in whipped topping and strawberries.
- Spread over the cheesecake layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours until set.
- Spread whipped topping over the chilled dessert. Garnish with strawberries and cookie crumbs before serving.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The layers stay intact, but the whipped topping can soften over time. For best texture, serve within 24 hours. If the strawberries release extra moisture, gently blot with a paper towel before serving.
FREEZE – This dessert doesn’t freeze well as a whole, since whipped topping and gelatin can become watery when thawed. If needed, freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then lightly stir the top layer before serving to refresh the texture.
REHEAT – No reheating needed! This dessert is meant to be served chilled. If it has been sitting in the fridge for a while, let it rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
MAKE AHEAD – This is a great make-ahead dessert because the layers need time to set. Assemble everything the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Hold off on the final whipped topping and garnishes until just before serving to keep the presentation fresh and the texture at its best. If making more than a day in advance, consider lightly covering the top with plastic wrap to prevent the whipped topping from absorbing fridge odors.
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Serving Suggestions
LEMONADE OR SWEET TEA – A tall glass of tangy lemonade or smooth, Southern-style sweet tea balances the creamy layers and keeps the dessert feeling light and refreshing.
GRILLED CHICKEN OR STEAK – This no-bake dessert is a perfect cool-down after a summer cookout. The light, fruity layers contrast with the bold flavors of grilled meats, making it a great way to end a hearty meal on a fresh note.
FRESH FRUIT SALAD – A mix of extra strawberries, blueberries, and sliced kiwi makes a great side if you want to serve this as part of a summer dessert spread. The juicy fruit adds even more brightness to every bite.
ICED COFFEE OR LATTE – A chilled vanilla latte or bold cold brew is a perfect pairing. The slight bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness, making each bite of Strawberry Delight even more satisfying.
Recipe Success Tips
SOFTENED CREAM CHEESE – Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly and can leave lumps in the cheesecake layer. If you forget to soften it, cut it into cubes and microwave it in short 10-second bursts until just soft.
CLEAN LAYERS – To achieve clean, even layers, here are a few tips:
- Spread each layer as evenly and gently as possible over the previous layers.
- You can pop the dish in the freezer in between adding layers if you’re having a hard time keeping them from mixing.
- Use a clean, sharp knife for cutting. Wipe the knife after each cut to avoid mixing the layers.
- Freeze the lasagna after adding the final layer of whipped topping for 30 minutes – 1 hour for easier cutting.
DISSOLVE GELATIN COMPLETELY – Stir until no granules remain before adding ice cubes. If any undissolved bits are left, they can create a gritty texture in the strawberry layer. If needed, let the mixture sit for a minute and stir again to fully dissolve.
EVEN LAYERS – Use a spatula to gently spread each layer without pressing down. Pushing too hard can cause the layers to mix together instead of staying distinct. If the layers seem uneven, refrigerate each one for 10-15 minutes before adding the next to help them stay separate.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream in this recipe. Make sure it is stiff so that the layers hold up nicely.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
No, frozen strawberries cannot be substituted in this recipe. Fresh, chopped strawberries are essential to the strawberry layer holding up.
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Strawberry Shortcake Kabob
Strawberry Delight
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 13.29-ounce package Golden Oreo cookies 33 crushed or processed into crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter unsalted, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
Strawberry Layer
- 1 3-ounce package strawberry gelatin
- ½ cup water boiling
- ½ cup ice cubes
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 1 cup strawberries chopped
Topping
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
Optional Decoration
- 1 cup strawberries chopped
- cookie crumbs additional cookies, crushed
Instructions
Crust
- Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press the buttered cookie crumbs into the bottom of a 9×13” baking dish.
Cheesecake Layer
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla with a hand or stand mixer in a large bowl, on high until smooth.
- Add whipped topping (8 ounces) to the cream cheese mixture and mix on medium, just until incorporated.
- Use a spatula to gently spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer over the cookie crust.
Strawberry Layer
- Whisk the strawberry gelatin and boiling water in a large bowl. Add the ice cubes to the gelatin mixture and stir continuously until melted.
- Add the heavy cream to the gelatin mixture and stir until combined. Stir whipped topping (8 ounces) into the gelatin mixture until combined. Fold the strawberries into the mixture.
- Use a spatula to gently spread the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Chill
- Cover and chill the prepared layers in the fridge for at least two hours or until the layers are set and firm.
Toppings and Garnish
- When ready to serve, remove the Strawberry Delight from the fridge. Add the final layer of whipped topping (8 ounces) with a spatula in an even layer over the strawberry layer.
- Garnish with additional chopped strawberries and cookie crumbs.
Equipment
Notes
WHIPPED TOPPING
You will need a total of 24 ounces of whipped topping for this recipe. I have broken it up into sections so you can see more when it is used.Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.