Old-Fashioned No-Bake Strawberry Delight
A cool, creamy, and nostalgic dessert layered with buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and strawberry-studded Jell-O topping. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and sunny days.
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
Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature for smooth mixing, and allow the Jell-O to cool completely before layering to avoid melting the filling. Store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Not recommended for freezing.