Old-Fashioned No-Bake Strawberry Delight
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 16 full crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping like Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
- ½ cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- crushed graham crackers optional garnish
- fresh strawberries optional garnish
- mint leaves optional garnish
Instructions
- Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl until combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
- Refrigerate crust while preparing the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
- Gently fold in thawed whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over chilled crust. Return to refrigerator.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve strawberry Jell-O in boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Stir in cold water and let Jell-O mixture cool to room temperature.
- Fold sliced strawberries into cooled Jell-O mixture.
- Carefully spoon strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
- Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
- To serve, slice into squares and garnish with crushed graham crackers, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Some desserts don’t just satisfy a craving—they take you somewhere. Maybe it’s back to your grandma’s sunlit kitchen. Maybe it’s a church potluck in the summer with folding tables and floral paper plates. Wherever it takes you, this Old-Fashioned No-Bake Strawberry Delight delivers that exact kind of feel-good magic.
It’s cool, creamy, fruity, and fluffy—with just the right hint of vintage charm. No oven required. No fancy techniques. Just layer upon layer of dreamy sweetness that comes together like a hug in dessert form.
Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch, prepping a Mother’s Day spread, or bringing dessert to your family reunion, this is the one that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.
What Is Old-Fashioned Strawberry Delight?
At its heart, Strawberry Delight is a chilled, layered dessert that’s been around for decades—and for good reason. It’s built on a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a tangy cream cheese layer, and finished with a jiggly strawberry Jell-O topping studded with fresh strawberries. The whole thing is topped off with whipped cream and optional garnishes to make it extra special.
This dessert was all the rage in the 1960s and ‘70s, when gelatin-based treats were basically a food group. And while it’s seen some variations over the years (like versions with pineapple, marshmallows, or nuts), the classic strawberry rendition still reigns supreme.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part? Everything here is easy to find, affordable, and likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this strawberry stunner:
For the Crust:
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full crackers)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Strawberry Topping:
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1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O
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½ cup boiling water
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½ cup cold water
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2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Optional Garnishes:
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Crushed graham crackers
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Fresh strawberries
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Mint leaves
How to Make It – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by stirring together your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Once everything’s combined, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press it down evenly.
Pop it in the fridge to chill while you prep the next layer.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until fluffy. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until combined—this is where the magic happens! You’ll get a light, cloud-like filling.
Spread it evenly over your chilled graham cracker crust. Back to the fridge it goes.
Step 3: Prep the Strawberry Topping
Now, grab another bowl and stir together your strawberry Jell-O mix and boiling water until the powder is fully dissolved. Stir in the cold water and let the mixture cool completely to room temperature (don’t skip this step—warm Jell-O will melt the cream cheese layer!).
Once cooled, fold in the sliced strawberries.
Step 4: Layer and Chill
Carefully spoon the strawberry Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread it out gently with a spatula until it covers every inch.
Now comes the hardest part: waiting. Chill the whole dessert in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows all the layers to set beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
When ready to serve, slice into squares using a sharp knife (wipe it between cuts for clean edges). Top with crushed graham crackers, a swirl of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, or even a sprig of mint. Every bite is retro dessert heaven.
 Why This Recipe Still Works Today
Let’s be real—desserts come and go, but this one sticks around. Why?
Because it’s:
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No-bake: Perfect for summer or when the oven’s busy.
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Make-ahead friendly: Chill it the night before and cross dessert off your to-do list.
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Nostalgic: One bite and you’re instantly transported.
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Crowd-pleasing: It’s a hit with kids, grandparents, and everyone in between.
Plus, strawberries don’t just bring flavor. They bring real nutrition, too—like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Want proof? Healthline breaks down the benefits here.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them really well first. Too much extra moisture can mess with your Jell-O layer and make things watery. Look for unsweetened whole frozen strawberries for the closest result to fresh.
 Fun Variations
Want to put your own spin on this strawberry beauty? Here are a few crowd-favorite tweaks:
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Add pineapple: A ½ cup of crushed, well-drained pineapple folded into the cream cheese layer gives tropical vibes.
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Use different crusts: Try crushed pretzels for salty-sweet contrast, or vanilla wafers for even more old-school flair.
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Go berry crazy: Mix in raspberries, blueberries, or a berry medley for more color and flavor.
And if you love layered strawberry desserts, don’t miss our Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe—it’s everything you adore about strawberry desserts with a little extra flair.
 How to Store It
Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4–5 days. Honestly though, it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing isn’t ideal—the creamy layer can change texture once thawed, and the Jell-O might become watery. So, keep it chilled and enjoy within a few days.
 When to Serve Strawberry Delight
This is one of those desserts that just fits the moment. Here’s when it especially shines:
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Mother’s Day brunch – pair it with our soft, beautiful Pink Chiffon Cake for a fruity celebration.
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Easter gatherings – pastel perfect, especially next to a festive drink like our Easter Bunny Punch.
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Summer BBQs – cool, creamy, and sunshine-ready.
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Family reunions & potlucks – travels well and pleases everyone.
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Just because – dessert doesn’t need a reason.
 Tips for Strawberry Dessert Success
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Room temperature cream cheese = smooth filling. Cold cream cheese clumps and won’t mix properly.
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Let the Jell-O cool fully. This prevents it from melting the middle layer.
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Don’t skimp on chill time. Four hours minimum for the layers to set.
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Clean knife for clean cuts. Wipe between slices for that perfect edge.
 Strawberry Delight for the Win
There’s just something magical about a dessert like this. It doesn’t need a fancy garnish or over-the-top decoration. It shines because it’s simple, delicious, and rooted in tradition.
This Old-Fashioned No-Bake Strawberry Delight is the kind of recipe that gets passed down, scribbled on an index card, and remembered fondly for generations. It’s more than a dessert—it’s a memory in the making.
So grab those graham crackers and strawberries. Let’s make a batch, share it with someone you love, and enjoy every sweet, strawberry-studded bite.