Strawberry Jello Lasagna Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping no-bake dessert that’s light, fruity, and dazzlingly layered, Strawberry Jello Lasagna is going to sweep you off your feet! This vibrant treat features crumbly Golden Oreo crust, lush cream cheese filling, a sweet strawberry Jello layer bursting with juicy berries, and a pink strawberry crunch on top. Every spoonful is a celebration of color and flavor, blending creamy, crunchy, tart, and sweet notes into a slice that’s absolutely impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Strawberry Jello Lasagna such a crowd-pleaser? It’s all about the balance between just a handful of simple pantry and fridge staples, each pulling their weight to create those gorgeous layers. Here’s how each one plays a starring role:

• Golden Oreo cookies: The foundation of the crust, these cookies offer a sweet vanilla base and satisfying crunch.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together for a perfectly buttery, sliceable crust.
• Freeze dried strawberries: Crushed and sprinkled on top, they amp up the strawberry flavor and lend an irresistible pink crunch.
• Fresh strawberries: Sliced berries become juicy and jammy in the easy Jello layer – be sure to use ripe ones for the best flavor.
• Strawberry flavored gelatin: This key ingredient brings that wobbly, nostalgic, vibrant pink hue.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy peaks, it makes the filling light as air. Chill your bowl and beaters for speedier whipping!
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream and the cream cheese layer without grittiness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic undertones to the filling and crust.
• Cream cheese: Softened for seamless blending, it brings a fabulous tang and creamy richness.
• Extra unsalted butter: Helps the cream cheese layer meld seamlessly into the whipped cream for a cloud-like texture.

How to Make Strawberry Jello Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Jello Layer

Start by tossing your sliced strawberries with the dry strawberry gelatin powder in a large saucepan. Gently heat just until the gelatin dissolves fully into the strawberry juices, stirring carefully to prevent the berries from getting mushy. Set this fragrant mixture aside to cool; it will become the sticky, ruby-red heart of the Strawberry Jello Lasagna.

Step 2: Make the Golden Oreo Crust

Add the whole Golden Oreo cookies (filling and all!) to a food processor and blitz until you have fine crumbs. Dump these into a bowl, gently stir in the melted butter until the texture is a bit like wet sand, then reserve a quarter of the crumbs for the crunchy topping. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch dish. For a sturdy base, chill or freeze it while you prep the other layers.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Pour the chilled heavy whipping cream and a spoonful of vanilla into a large bowl. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, then sprinkle in 3/4 cup powdered sugar and keep whipping until stiff peaks hold their shape. This is your shortcut to a creamy, pillowy filling.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and another dash of vanilla until completely smooth. Mix in a cup of powdered sugar, then gently fold in your freshly whipped cream. The result is a light, tangy, and rich filling perfect for spreading.

Step 5: Build the First Cream Cheese Layer

Spread half of your cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing all the way to the edges. Pop the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help this layer firm up — this keeps your next layer beautifully defined!

Step 6: Add the Strawberry Jello Filling

Spoon the cooled strawberry and Jello mixture over the bottom cream cheese layer. Use your spatula to spread it evenly, then return the dish to the freezer for another 10-15 minutes, just until the Jello holds together.

Step 7: Finish with the Remaining Cream Cheese Layer

Gently spread the rest of your cream cheese-whipped cream filling over the now-set strawberry layer. Smooth the top as best you can, then transfer the entire pan to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight!) to let all the flavors meld and the layers firm up properly.

Step 8: Top with Strawberry Crunch

Mix your reserved Oreo crumbs with the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and sprinkle liberally across the top of the lasagna. This final touch adds a burst of berry flavor and a lovely textural contrast to the creamy layers below.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Serve your Strawberry Jello Lasagna straight from the fridge, slicing into squares for a gorgeous presentation. This vibrant, chilled treat is at its best served cold!

How to Serve Strawberry Jello Lasagna

Garnishes

Top your squares with some extra fresh strawberry slices, a tiny dollop of whipped cream, or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. Little pearls of Jello cut with a melon baller also look stunning, echoing the fruity layers inside.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Jello Lasagna is pretty sweet and fruity on its own, so keep sides simple – a cup of black coffee, unsweetened iced tea, or a tart lemon sorbet can really balance the flavors and refresh your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop portions into mini mason jars or parfait glasses for a picnic, or cut small squares and layer them in tall glasses for an elegant dessert trifle look. For parties, try cutting the chilled lasagna with cookie cutters for fun shapes that kids (and grownups!) adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Jello Lasagna keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 or 6 days. Wrap your pan tightly with plastic wrap, or transfer slices to a lidded container to keep everything fresh and prevent the layers from drying out.

Freezing

This dessert can be frozen, though the texture of the strawberries and layers may change slightly. For best results, freeze individual portions on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap and store in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Strawberry Jello Lasagna is meant to be served cold and really doesn’t need reheating. If you’ve frozen it, simply allow it to thaw in the refrigerator so the flavors and textures return to their luscious, creamy best.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries give the brightest, juiciest flavor and best texture, you can use frozen in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using, as extra moisture can make the Jello layer too runny.

Do I have to use Golden Oreos, or can I swap in a different cookie?

Golden Oreos give the classic vanilla crunch that pairs perfectly with the strawberry and cream cheese layers, but shortbread or graham crackers will also work. Just adjust the butter as needed to get the right consistency for the crust.

What’s the best way to slice Strawberry Jello Lasagna?

For clean layers, use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This keeps the layers tidy and prevents the cream cheese from smearing.

Can this dessert be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the Golden Oreos for your favorite gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookies. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make Strawberry Jello Lasagna the day before serving?

Strawberry Jello Lasagna is actually perfect for making ahead! The flavors meld and the layers firm up overnight in the fridge, making it even easier to slice and serve for your event.

Final Thoughts

I hope Strawberry Jello Lasagna becomes as much of a favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine. With each layer offering something special and its eye-catching colors stealing the show at any gathering, it’s a must-try for any dessert lover. Give it a go and see the smiles appear at your table!

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