Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and tangy with Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna—a no-bake delight that layers crushed Golden Oreos, velvety cream cheese, lemon pudding, and juicy strawberries. Each bite delivers a refreshing burst of citrus and berry goodness, making it a must-have for summer gatherings or an elegant weeknight treat.
This dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The vibrant red strawberries contrast beautifully against the creamy layers, while the lemony undertones add just the right amount of zing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a potluck, or simply treating yourself, this easy-to-make layered dessert is guaranteed to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 package Golden Oreos (crushed)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
Directions:
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate while preparing the layers.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold half of it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the Oreo crust.
- Prepare the pudding: Whisk the instant lemon pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Add strawberries: Evenly layer sliced strawberries over the pudding.
- Final topping: Gently spread the remaining whipped cream over the strawberries and garnish with extra lemon zest or crushed Oreos.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chilling Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12
History and Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna is inspired by classic no-bake desserts, often layered with cream cheese, pudding, and fruit to create a light and refreshing treat. The idea of combining strawberries and lemon came from the timeless love for strawberry lemonade—one of the most popular summer drinks. By transforming these flavors into a creamy, chilled dessert, this recipe captures the essence of summer in every bite.
Layered desserts have a long history in American cuisine, from icebox cakes to trifles, and this version is an easy, fuss-free take on those traditions. The Golden Oreo crust adds a subtle vanilla flavor, complementing the tangy lemon pudding and sweet strawberries, while the whipped topping gives it a smooth, airy texture.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna
- Crush the Cookies Properly – For a firm crust, make sure the Golden Oreos are crushed finely. You can use a food processor for even crumbs or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh lemon juice and zest bring out a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the pudding layer. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same effect.
- Chill for the Best Texture – Letting the dessert sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) helps the layers set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Customize the Toppings – You can add fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of white chocolate, or extra cookie crumbles for a decorative touch.
- Make It Ahead – This is a great make-ahead dessert since it needs chilling time. Prepare it the night before a party or gathering for a stress-free treat.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Crust Alternative: Instead of Golden Oreos, try graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.
- Pudding Flavor Variations: If you prefer a different twist, swap lemon pudding for vanilla, cheesecake, or white chocolate pudding.
- Fruit Swaps: While strawberries are the star, you can also use raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of summer berries for variety.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped topping, and almond milk to make it lactose-free.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) between the layers for a slight crunch and nutty flavor.
What Is Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna?
Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna is a no-bake layered dessert that combines the refreshing flavors of lemon and strawberry with a creamy, dreamy texture. It features a crushed Golden Oreo crust, a zesty lemon cream cheese filling, a smooth lemon pudding layer, and fresh strawberries, all topped with light and fluffy whipped cream. The result is a sweet, tangy, and refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather, parties, or any occasion when you need a quick and delicious treat.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This dessert was inspired by classic strawberry lemonade, a beloved summer drink known for its perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tartness. The combination of fresh strawberries and lemon has been a staple in desserts for decades, from strawberry lemonade cakes to lemon bars topped with berries. This recipe transforms these flavors into a layered no-bake treat that’s light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make.
Layered no-bake desserts have been around for generations, often referred to as “dessert lasagnas” or “icebox cakes.” These types of desserts gained popularity for their ability to be made ahead of time, requiring minimal effort while still delivering an elegant presentation.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna
To achieve the perfect light and creamy texture with bold flavors, follow these key tips:
1. Use Fresh Lemons & Strawberries
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide a bright, natural citrus flavor that enhances the dessert. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it can taste artificial.
- Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best sweetness and texture. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) can work, but fresh is best.
2. Crush the Cookies Well
- The Golden Oreo crust is the foundation of the dessert, so make sure the cookies are finely crushed for a firm base. A food processor works best, but you can also crush them in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin.
3. Chill for the Best Texture
- This dessert needs at least 4 hours of chilling for the layers to firm up. Overnight chilling is even better, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks
- For an airy and fluffy texture, make sure to beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the cream cheese layer.
5. Customize the Layers
- For a twist, try using graham crackers or vanilla wafers instead of Golden Oreos.
- Swap lemon pudding for cheesecake, vanilla, or white chocolate pudding if you prefer a milder citrus flavor.
- Add a layer of strawberry jam for extra fruity sweetness.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
This dessert is best served cold, making it ideal for summer gatherings, BBQs, picnics, or potlucks.
Pair it with:
🍹 Fresh Strawberry Lemonade – A perfect match with the dessert’s flavors.
🍵 Iced Green Tea with Honey & Lemon – A refreshing, slightly bitter drink that balances the sweetness.
🍾 Sparkling Rosé or Prosecco – A great adult-friendly pairing for this fruity dessert.
For a full dessert spread, serve alongside:
- Lemon bars
- No-bake cheesecake
- Strawberry shortcake
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
✔️ No-Bake & Easy – No oven required, making it perfect for hot weather.
✔️ Light & Refreshing – The balance of creamy, citrusy, and fruity flavors makes it delightful.
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – A visually stunning dessert that impresses guests.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it the night before for a stress-free dessert.
✔️ Customizable – Easy to adapt with different ingredients and flavors.
Storage & Shelf Life
❄️ Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 1 month, but the texture of the strawberries may change slightly upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before layering them into the dessert to avoid excess moisture.
2. How can I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened whipped cream instead of pre-sweetened whipped topping, and cut back on the sugar in the cream cheese layer.
3. Can I make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert is best when made a day ahead, as it allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
4. What’s the best way to slice and serve?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
This Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna is the perfect summer dessert that blends the tangy citrus of lemon with the sweet juiciness of strawberries in a luscious, creamy bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply indulging in a light treat, this dessert will become a favorite go-to recipe.
Conclusion
Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna is the perfect no-bake dessert for summer, combining sweet strawberries, tangy lemon, and creamy layers in every bite. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to make ahead, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple treat at home. With customizable options and a beautiful presentation, this dessert is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of sunshine in every bite! ☀️🍓🍋