Strawberry Delight isn’t just a dessert—it’s a no-bake classic that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, fruity, and crunchy. It’s cool, rich, and loaded with fresh strawberries, all stacked on a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re preparing a summer treat, a quick party dessert, or just craving something nostalgic, this is the recipe you want on standby.
In this article, we’re going deep into how to make this chilled, layered dessert from scratch. We’ll explore the recipe, break down the technique, and cover common questions that arise when you’re building a dessert that looks fancy but takes minimal effort. If you love strawberries, cream cheese, and a simple make-ahead process, you’re in for a treat.
Why No-Bake Strawberry Delight Works
There’s a reason this dessert has stood the test of time. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s versatile, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Here’s what makes it a standout:
- No baking required. This means no oven, no worry about overcooking anything, and less heat in the kitchen.
- Minimal prep with big flavor. The ingredients are simple—cream cheese, strawberries, graham crackers, whipped cream, gelatin—but they come together into something much more impressive than the sum of their parts.
- Make-ahead friendly. Strawberry Delight tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for preparing the night before an event.
- Layered textures. The buttery crust, fluffy cream cheese layers, and juicy fresh strawberries hit every note.
Equipment You’ll Need
To keep things smooth, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- 8×8-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic)
- Food processor (or a plastic bag + rolling pin)
- Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
- Mixing bowls (at least two large)
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan (for melting butter)
- Knife and cutting board
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 minutes | 1 hour (min) | 1 hour 40 min | 9 squares |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need. Both US customary and metric measurements are included:
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 2 x 8 oz packages | 450 grams total |
| Strawberries (fresh) | 1 pound (about 16 berries) | 450 grams |
| Unsalted butter | 8 tablespoons (1 stick) | 113 grams |
| Graham crackers | 12 full sheets (or 1 ½ cups crumbs) | 180 grams |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons | 25 grams |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon, divided | 2.5 grams |
| Powdered sugar | ¾ cup, divided | 90 grams |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | 10 ml |
| Heavy cream (cold) | 2 cups | 475 ml |
| Powdered strawberry gelatin (e.g., Jell-O) | ¼ cup | 30 grams |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soften the Cream Cheese
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes until softened. This helps it blend more smoothly into the mixture later. You want it spreadable, not cold and stiff.
2. Prepare the Strawberries
Rinse and trim the tops from the strawberries. Thinly slice about 12–14 of them lengthwise—these go on the crust layer. Dice the remaining strawberries and set them aside in the fridge to use as a garnish later.
3. Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl using 20-second intervals until mostly melted—about 40 seconds total. Set it aside to cool slightly.
In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers, granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt until finely ground (like sand). Add the melted butter and pulse a few more times until the mixture is evenly moistened.
Don’t have a food processor? Crush the crackers in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin, then mix in sugar, salt, and butter in a bowl.
Press the mixture into an even layer in your 8×8-inch dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to smooth it out. Make sure the corners are filled in.
4. Layer the Sliced Strawberries
Place the sliced strawberries in a single layer on top of the crust. These will create a bright, fruity base layer that soaks into the crust as it chills.
Refrigerate the crust and berries while you prep the filling.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Use a paddle attachment if you’re using a stand mixer.
6. Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form—2 to 5 minutes, depending on your mixer.
Fold about half of the whipped cream (roughly 2 cups) into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to keep the volume.
Reserve the remaining whipped cream in the fridge for later.
7. Build the Layers
- First Layer: Spread half of the cream cheese-whipped cream mixture over the strawberries in the dish.
- Second Layer: Mix the powdered strawberry gelatin into the remaining cream cheese mixture. Fold until completely blended. Spread this pink layer evenly over the first.
- Third Layer: Spread the reserved whipped cream on top.
Smooth the top, cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
8. Finish and Serve
Before serving, scatter the reserved chopped strawberries over the top. Use a sharp knife to cut into 9 even squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for sharp, clean slices.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Sugars | 17 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Pro Tips for Success
Use Cold Heavy Cream
Cold cream whips better. For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters too—especially on warm days.
Don’t Overmix the Layers
When folding whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, go slow and use a gentle hand. You want to keep that airy texture.
Adjust Sweetness
Prefer a less sweet dessert? Cut back a bit on the powdered sugar. Want more strawberry punch? Add a few teaspoons of strawberry extract or a bit more gelatin mix to the pink layer.
Use Quality Cream Cheese
Some generic brands have more water and can cause a runny filling. Full-fat, brick-style cream cheese works best.
Freeze for a Firmer Set
If you want cleaner slices or plan to transport the dessert, pop it in the freezer for 30–45 minutes before cutting. It helps it hold its shape.
Variations You Can Try
Chocolate Strawberry Delight
Swap half the graham crackers for chocolate cookies. Add a little cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling for a chocolate-strawberry twist.
Lemon Berry Delight
Replace the strawberry gelatin with lemon gelatin. Add lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a bright, citrusy version.
Mixed Berry Delight
Add raspberries or blueberries to the sliced strawberry layer or sprinkle them on top for color and contrast.
Mini Strawberry Delights
Press the crust into individual ramekins or cupcake liners and build mini versions—perfect for parties or portion control.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for both flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries tend to get mushy when thawed, and they can water down the filling. If you must use them, thaw and drain thoroughly first.
How long does Strawberry Delight last in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to 4 days in a covered container in the fridge. After that, the texture may start to soften and the strawberries may release more moisture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have gelatin mix?
You can skip it or substitute with freeze-dried strawberry powder for natural color and flavor. Just note that you won’t get the same vibrant pink hue or flavor intensity.
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Strawberry Delight hits all the right notes—fresh fruit, rich cream, a buttery base, and layers of texture in every bite. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weekday and impressive enough to serve at gatherings. You don’t need to be a pro baker to master this dessert. You just need a little time, a few basic tools, and some love for strawberries.
Whether it becomes your next potluck go-to or a nostalgic weekend treat, this dessert deserves a spot in your recipe box. It’s comfort food that feels fancy without the fuss.
Ready to delight?
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