Description
Strawberry cheesecake lasagna blends Italian and American dessert traditions into a luscious treat. Creamy layers of sweet cheese and fresh strawberries create a delightful finale for special gatherings you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Layer:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 0.25 cup (4 tablespoons) sugar (optional)
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust and Topping:
- 2.25 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to solidify the base.
- Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth, creating a luxurious texture. Gently incorporate whipped topping, ensuring a light and airy consistency.
- Enhance strawberries by sprinkling sugar if they seem tart, allowing them to macerate and release natural sweetness for 10 minutes. This process intensifies their flavor profile.
- Carefully arrange macerated strawberry slices in an even, elegant layer atop the creamy cheesecake foundation, covering the entire surface with vibrant fruit.
- Crown the dessert with remaining whipped topping, creating a cloud-like blanket that completely conceals the strawberry layer. Delicately dust with graham cracker crumbs for textural contrast.
- Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or ideally overnight, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly. This resting period ensures optimal taste and structural integrity.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices to add a final burst of color and freshness. Slice and serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, stable base that won’t crumble when serving.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before beating to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
- Macerate slightly tart strawberries with sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and create a juicier layer.
- Prepare this dessert a day in advance for optimal flavor melding and easier serving, as chilling helps layers set perfectly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 258 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg