Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this dessert is a crowd favorite.
First, it’s incredibly easy. No oven, no complicated techniques.
Second, it looks stunning. Those layers in the glass dish make it feel fancy and bakery-style.
Third, it’s light and refreshing. Unlike heavy cakes, this feels cool and smooth.
Fourth, you can make it ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
And finally, it’s customizable. You can swap strawberries for any fruit you like.
Simple ingredients + big flavor = perfect dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the crust
- 2 cups crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the cream cheese layer
- 250 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups whipped cream or whipped topping
For the strawberry layer
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
OR - 1 can strawberry pie filling (shortcut option)
For the topping
- ½ cup crushed cookies or crumble
- Extra strawberries
Make the Buttery Cookie Crust
The crust is the foundation of this dessert. It adds crunch and a slightly salty contrast to the sweet layers.
Start by crushing your biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place them in a bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Add melted butter and sugar. Mix until the texture looks like wet sand.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a glass baking dish.
Use the back of a spoon or a flat cup to pack it tightly. A firm crust holds the layers better.
Place it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to set.
This chilling step helps the crust stay crisp and sturdy.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
This layer is what makes the dessert rich and creamy.
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy. No lumps.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix well.
Now gently fold in whipped cream or whipped topping.
Don’t overmix — you want it light and airy.
The texture should be silky, creamy, and spreadable.
Taste it. It should be slightly sweet with a soft tangy cheesecake flavor.
Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust.
Return to the fridge while preparing the strawberries.
Cook the Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Fresh strawberry topping tastes so much better than store-bought.
In a saucepan, add strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat until strawberries soften and release juice.
Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the pan.
Simmer until thick and glossy.
The sauce should coat the spoon but still pour easily.
Let it cool completely before adding to the dessert.
Hot topping will melt the cream layer.
If you’re short on time, you can use canned strawberry filling instead.
Layer Everything Beautifully
Now comes the fun part — layering.
Take your chilled crust with cream cheese layer.
Pour the cooled strawberry sauce on top.
Spread evenly to cover the entire surface.
You’ll instantly see those gorgeous red and white layers.
Sprinkle crushed cookies or crumble over the top for extra texture.
Add a few fresh strawberry slices for decoration.
It already looks amazing.
Chill Until Set
This step is very important.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Overnight is even better.
Chilling helps:
Firm up the layers
Blend the flavors
Create clean slices
Improve texture
Cold desserts always taste fresher and more refreshing.
Don’t rush this step.
Texture and Flavor Experience
When you take a bite, you’ll notice beautiful layers of flavor.
First, the buttery cookie crunch.
Then the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
Then the juicy, sweet strawberries.
Finally, the crumbly topping.
It’s creamy, fruity, light, and slightly crunchy all at once.
Sweet but not heavy.
Rich but still refreshing.
It’s honestly the perfect balance.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
Always soften cream cheese first
Cool strawberry sauce completely
Press crust firmly
Chill long enough
Use fresh, ripe strawberries
If the filling feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons milk.
If too soft, chill longer.
Fun Variations
You can easily change the flavors.
Try:
Blueberry topping
Mango puree layer
Chocolate ganache drizzle
Oreo crust
Lemon cream filling
Mixed berry combo
Pineapple or peach
The base recipe works with almost any fruit.
Get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
This dessert is perfect for preparing in advance.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze — texture may change.
For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.
It tastes even better the next day.
Serving Ideas
Serve chilled in:
Square slices
Small cups
Mini jars
Party glasses
Great for:
Ramadan tables
Potlucks
Birthdays
Family dinners
Summer parties
Picnics
Everyone loves it because it’s light and refreshing.
Kids and adults both go crazy for it.
Final Thoughts
No-bake strawberry cream cheese lush is one of those classic desserts that never fails. It’s simple, beautiful, and tastes like pure comfort.
You get the richness of cheesecake, the freshness of fruit, and the crunch of cookies all in one bite.