Strawberries and Cream Lush – Experience the embrace of our Strawberries and Cream Lush recipe a dessert that flawlessly combines the succulent essence of strawberries with the creamy decadence of whipped topping and cream cheese. This exquisite creation harmonizes a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with delight. Featuring a crust crafted from a medley of nuts and Nilla Wafer cookies layered with velvety cream cheese and Cool Whip all crowned with strawberries this dessert epitomizes indulgence.
The first time I prepared this Strawberries and Cream Lush my family’s reactions were bliss. As I witnessed my husband savoring his first bite a broad smile illuminated his face accompanied by an exclamation of “This tastes like summer!” Even our little one, who is usually selective, about food, couldn’t resist the allure of this dessert. The joy I felt while observing them relishing each spoonful was its reward.
What makes this Strawberries and Cream Lush truly special?
What truly sets this Strawberries and Cream Lush apart is its balance of flavors and textures. The satisfying crunch from the mixture of nuts and Nilla Wafer cookie crust serves as a foundation, for the velvety cream cheese and Cool Whip layer that imparts a luxurious creaminess. The addition of strawberries brings a burst of fruitiness that perfectly balances the richness creating a delightful combination, with every bite. This dessert not only delivers flavors but also presents itself as a work of art suitable for special occasions or savoring those sweet moments, in life.
What You Need To Make This Strawberries and Cream Lush Recipe?
Mixed Nuts: The mixed nuts serve a dual purpose in this recipe. They give a crunch to the crust and bring a subtle nutty flavor. While the recipe suggests using chopped nuts feel free to get creative and use your favorite nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. This allows you to customize the taste according to your preferences and add a personalized touch to the dessert.
Nilla Wafer Cookies: These classic cookies add a sweetness and a hint of vanilla, to the crust. By chopping them they blend seamlessly with the nuts creating a cohesive base that beautifully contrasts with the creamy layers above. You can also try using other cookies for an interesting twist on the traditional flavor.
Butter: Melted unsalted butter binds the mixture together forming the foundation of this dessert. Its richness provides a flavorful base that complements the layers. If you prefer a little saltier undertone you can experiment with salted butter.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar is an essential ingredient in the cream cheese layer as it adds sweetness and gives it a velvety texture. Make sure to sift the sugar before using it to ensure that there are no lumps, in your cream cheese mixture.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese plays a role, in creating the layer adding both richness and tanginess. To ensure easy blending and a consistent texture it is recommended to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before using.
Cool Whip Whipped Topping: The real star of the dessert is the tub of Cool Whip Whipped Topping, which brings a cloud-like texture to the dish. Its lightness perfectly complements the denser layers creating a contrast that pleases the taste buds.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: For the velvety pudding layer instant vanilla pudding mix is used. Opting for this mix ensures convenience and easy preparation. Following the instructions on the box will help achieve the right consistency.
Whole Milk: Whole milk serves as the base for the pudding layer. While whole milk is suggested in this recipe you can also use 2% milk if you prefer. The fat content contributes to making the pudding richer in taste.
Fresh Strawberries: The true highlight of this dessert is strawberries which bring flavor and color. Slicing them allows for even distribution, throughout all layers. The recipe recommends using a quart of strawberries but feel free to adjust based on preference and berry size.
Steps To Make Strawberries and Cream Lush:
Step 1: To start you’ll want to make the crust. Take a blender. Pulse a mixture of nuts and Nilla Wafer cookies until they reach a fine texture.
Step 2: Next, incorporate the butter into the mixture by pulsing it together until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Using the bottom of a glass press the mixture evenly into a 9×13 cake pan.
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Step 4: In a bowl blend together Confectioner sugar, 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip, and softened cream cheese until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 5: Pour this mixture over the crust in a layer.
Step 6: In another bowl mix milk with vanilla pudding until it sets.
Step 7: Spread the pudding mixture, over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
Step 8: Arrange some strawberries on top of the pudding saving some for garnishing on.
Step 9: Evenly spread out the remaining Cool Whip, over the strawberries.
Step 10: For a touch of flavor and texture sprinkle some chopped strawberries and cookie crumb crust on top.
Step 11: Sit back. Enjoy as you relish every spoonful of this dessert.
Tip:
For a presentation, it’s best to refrigerate the dessert for hours before serving. This will give time for the layers to firm up completely resulting in distinct slices when you serve it. Additionally chilling allows the flavors to blend harmoniously making the overall taste more delightful. When you’re ready to present it add some strawberries on top as a final touch that will entice your guests to fully enjoy this indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
Sure! While strawberries go well with the texture you can definitely try using other berries, like blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can absolutely prepare this dessert ahead of time a day before. Just remember to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making one from scratch?
Definitely! If you’re short on time you can go for a store-bought graham cracker crust or make one from scratch. However, I must say that the homemade nutty Nilla Wafer crust gives the dessert a delightful texture.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Strawberries and Cream Lush
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped mixed nuts
- 1 cup finely chopped Nilla Wafer cookies
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup Confectioners Sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 large tub Cool Whip Whipped Topping
- 2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk 2% works as well
- 1 quart fresh strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Start by giving those mixed nuts and Nilla Wafers a whirl in a blender until they're a perfect crumbly duo. Mix in the melted butter and press it all into a cake pan to make that satisfyingly crunchy base.
- In a bowl, whip up a dreamy combo of cream cheese, Confectioners Sugar, and Cool Whip. Spread this creamy goodness all over the crust, like giving it a cozy blanket.
- Grab another bowl and play matchmaker with milk and instant pudding mix. Once they're a dynamic duo, layer them over the cream cheese affair.
- It's strawberry showtime! Layer those fresh, vibrant slices over the pudding layer. Keep a few slices in the wings for the final bow.
- Get that Cool Whip back in action. Spread it generously over the strawberries, making sure they're all snug and comfy. Sprinkle some extra love with chopped strawberries and even a dash of the crumbly crust mix.
- Now for the hard part: patience. Pop it in the fridge for a while to let the flavors have a mixer party. When it's time, slice and serve a spoonful of pure dessert joy. Your taste buds will thank you!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
