Layered with buttery pecan crust, creamy whipped topping, fresh strawberries, and a glossy strawberry gelatin glaze, Strawberry Delight is pure magic.
Alright, confession time: I have a serious soft spot for desserts that feel like they belong in a potluck hall of fame. And Strawberry Delight? Oh, it’s the MVP. I remember the first time I had it—I was maybe 10, sitting at one of those long picnic tables at my aunt’s summer BBQ. It was hot, everyone was sticky from the heat, and then this bright, glossy dessert appeared. I took one bite and thought, “This tastes like happiness.”
Fast forward to now, and making Strawberry Delight is like bringing a little piece of my childhood back. Sure, my first attempt was a bit chaotic (pro tip: don’t rush the glaze—it will clump), but it still tasted incredible. Now, it’s my go-to whenever I need to impress a crowd—or just cheer myself up after a rough week. Something about those layers of creamy, crunchy, and fruity goodness just hits differently, you know?
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Delight Recipe?
- All About Layers: From the buttery pecan crust to the tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry glaze, every bite has a little something special.
- Summer in a Bite: Fresh strawberries make this dessert taste like sunshine.
- Potluck Perfection: It’s the kind of dessert people rave about and ask for the recipe after their first forkful.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s even better the next day, which makes it a stress-free option for hosting.
- Fuss-Free Fancy: Looks impressive, tastes decadent, but is actually super simple to make.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s why each ingredient plays a starring role and how you can make it work for you:
- Flour: Forms the crust’s backbone. It’s simple but effective.
- Butter: Melted butter gives the crust that rich, crumbly texture. No substitutes here—it’s the real deal.
- Pecans: The crunch they add? Game changer. Don’t like pecans? Walnuts or even almonds will do the trick.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer without any graininess. You want this part to feel like silk.
- Cream Cheese: Tangy and rich, it’s the glue that holds the filling together. Let it soften before mixing to avoid lumps (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way).
- Whipped Topping: Makes the filling light and fluffy. Homemade whipped cream works too if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Fresh Strawberries: The real MVP. Frozen strawberries work in a pinch, but fresh ones bring that burst of flavor.
- Strawberry Gelatin: Gives the glaze its signature shine and amplifies the strawberry flavor.
- Sugar & Flour: Help thicken the glaze just enough to coat the strawberries perfectly.
How To Make Strawberry Delight?
Making Strawberry Delight isn’t rocket science—it’s more like layering love with a side of patience. Here’s how to do it:
- Make the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Combine the flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans in a bowl. Press the mixture into a 13×9-inch baking pan. It doesn’t need to look perfect—just press it down evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until it’s golden and smells like heaven. Let it cool completely before adding anything else. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping to make it extra fluffy. Spread this dreamy mixture over the cooled crust. It’s already hard not to sneak a taste, right? - Add the Strawberries
Layer the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese filling. Cover the surface completely so every bite has that burst of freshness. - Make the Glaze
In a saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, flour, strawberry gelatin, and water. Stir it over medium heat until it thickens. Let it boil for a minute (exactly one minute—set a timer if you’re like me and tend to zone out). Remove it from the heat and let it cool for 30 minutes. Then, spoon the glaze evenly over the strawberries. - Chill and Serve
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours. The longer it chills, the better the layers meld together. When you’re ready to serve, cut it into squares or triangles. Watch people’s eyes light up—it’s that good.
Storage Options:
Strawberry Delight keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, covered tightly. If you’re feeling fancy, store it in an airtight container to prevent the glaze from sticking to the wrap. Freezing is an option, too, though the strawberries might get a little softer. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving—it’s still delicious!
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Switch the Fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches would work beautifully.
- Nut-Free Crust: Swap the pecans for graham cracker crumbs if nuts aren’t your thing.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze before it sets.
- Lemon Glaze: Use lemon gelatin instead of strawberry for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust—it’s just as delicious.
What to Serve with Strawberry Delight?
Strawberry Delight is perfect on its own, but pairing it with the right side can elevate the experience:
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: The richness of coffee pairs beautifully with the dessert’s sweetness.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and light, it balances the dessert’s richness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Because more creamy goodness never hurts.
- Mint Garnish: A simple sprig of mint adds a pop of freshness and color.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best, but if you’re using frozen, thaw and drain them first to avoid a watery mess.
Can I make this the night before?
Definitely! In fact, it’s even better after chilling overnight. The flavors really come together.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure the crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer. Also, spread the cream cheese layer evenly to create a barrier between the crust and the strawberries.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to whip up this dreamy, fruity dessert? Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—or if you gave it your own twist, I’d love to hear about it. Happy baking!
<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!
Strawberry Delight
Ingredients
- 1.5 c all-purpose flour
- 3/4 c butter melted
- 3/4 c chopped pecans
- 2 c powdered sugar
- 1 8-ounces package cream cheese, softened
- 1 8-ounces tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 3 c sliced strawberries
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1/4 c all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp strawberry gelatin
- 1 c water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F and get a baking pan measuring 13x9 inches
- Combine 1.5 cups of flour, with 3/4 cup of butter. Mix in 3/4 cup of chopped pecans. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes until it turns a golden color. Allow it to cool.
- In a bowl beat together 2 cups of sugar and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add an 8-ounce tub of whipped topping that has been thawed and mix everything well. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries, over the layer covering it completely.
- In a saucepan combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of flour and 3 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin powder. Add in one cup of water. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat until it thickens then let it boil for one minute exactly. Allow it to cool for thirty minutes before spooning it over the layer of strawberries.
- Cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least four hours to allow all flavors to meld together.
- Once fully chilled, cut into squares or desired shapes and serve with delight!
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!
