Strawberries and Cream Lush is a no-bake dessert made with Nilla Wafer crust, cream cheese, Cool Whip, vanilla pudding, and fresh strawberries.
You know those desserts that just stick with you? The ones that feel like a slice of summer—sweet, light, a little nostalgic? That’s what this Strawberries and Cream Lush is for me.
It actually came from a total dessert emergency. Picture this: I’m hosting a backyard BBQ, the burgers are grilling, the potato salad’s chilling, and then it hits me—I forgot dessert. Total panic.
I scoured the fridge and pantry, hoping for a miracle. There it was: a tub of Cool Whip, half a box of Nilla Wafers (thanks, toddler snack stash), and a bunch of strawberries I may have overbought at the farmer’s market. Inspiration struck! I layered, mixed, and crossed my fingers. And let me tell you—when I brought it out, all fancy with the strawberries on top, it looked like I’d spent hours on it.
Moral of the story? Some of the best recipes come from those “oh-no-what-now” moments. And this lush? It’s become my go-to for summer parties, holidays, or anytime I need a dessert that looks fancy but feels effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberries and Cream Lush Recipe?
If you’re still on the fence about this one, here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Strawberry Heaven: Sweet, juicy berries give every bite a summery vibe.
- Creamy Dreamy Layers: Cool Whip, pudding, and cream cheese—need I say more?
- Perfect Crunch: That Nilla Wafer and nut crust adds a buttery, sweet bite that balances all the creaminess.
- No Bake Magic: Yep, zero baking. Just 30 minutes of prep and the fridge does the rest.
- Crowd Favorite: Family BBQ? Potluck? This one always gets recipe requests.
Ingredient Notes:
The beauty of this recipe? It’s simple. But every ingredient pulls its weight.
- Nilla Wafers: The OG crust choice—sweet, vanilla-y, and pairs perfectly with strawberries. If you’re out, graham crackers work too (though not quite the same).
- Mixed Nuts: I love using pecans or walnuts for a buttery crunch. Chop them super fine so they blend right into the crust.
- Butter: Melted and mixed with the crust—because butter makes everything better.
- Cream Cheese: Softened so it blends up smooth. Full fat? Absolutely.
- Cool Whip: The secret to all that fluffiness! If you’re a homemade whipped cream purist, you could sub it, but honestly, Cool Whip just works here.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Blends easily into the cream cheese without making it grainy.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: Instant is the way to go. The quicker, the better, right?
- Milk: Whole milk gives the pudding that rich, velvety texture.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and sliced thin—this is their moment to shine.
How To Make Strawberries and Cream Lush?
This dessert is all about the layers—each one easier than the last.
Step 1. Make the Crust:
Start by blitzing the Nilla Wafers and nuts in a food processor until they’re super fine. If you’re going the manual route, a Ziploc bag and rolling pin do the trick too (plus, stress relief!). Mix the crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 dish. This step’s important—press it down like you mean it for that perfect crust.
Step 2. Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, whip together softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and half the Cool Whip until smooth. This part? Dangerously tasty—try not to eat it straight from the bowl. Spread it gently over the crust.
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Step 3. Pudding Layer:
Grab another bowl (yes, there are a few dishes here, but it’s worth it). Whisk together the instant pudding and milk until it thickens. Let it sit for a minute—it sets fast. Spread this over the cream cheese layer like you’re frosting a cake.
Step 4. Strawberries:
Now for the fun part! Layer those sliced strawberries all over the pudding. The more, the better. Seriously, pile them high.
Step 5. Cool Whip Finale:
Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top, smoothing it out so it covers everything completely. Sprinkle on a few extra strawberries for that final ta-da moment.
Step 6. Chill Time:
Pop the whole dish in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight? Even better. The layers will set, and the flavors will meld into dessert perfection.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Keep it covered and chilled for up to 3 days. The crust stays crunchy, and the strawberries stay fresh.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Just skip the strawberries on top—they get weird when thawed. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Pro Tip: If you’re making it ahead for a party, wait to add the strawberries on top until just before serving for the prettiest presentation.
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is basically a blank canvas for creativity.
- Berry Swap: Try raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of all three.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap the vanilla pudding for chocolate and add a drizzle of fudge sauce on top.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and just use extra Nilla Wafers for the crust.
- Extra Fancy: Add a drizzle of strawberry sauce or even white chocolate shavings on top.
What to Serve with Strawberries and Cream Lush?
This lush is the star of the dessert table, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Lemonade: Tart, sweet, and refreshing next to the creamy layers.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Double the berry fun!
- A Chilled Rosé: If you’re hosting a brunch or summer party—this pairing is chef’s kiss.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s even better when made the night before since the layers have time to set perfectly.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh works best here since frozen berries can get a little watery. If you do use frozen, thaw and drain them well first.
How do I get cleaner slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice. Or, embrace the messy but delicious vibe—no judgment here.
This Strawberries and Cream Lush has officially become a staple at my house. It’s just so easy and makes people think you went all out (even when you kinda didn’t). If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it goes—especially if you get as many compliments as I did!
<Remember it later>
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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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!
