Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Bake Berry Lush is a creamy, decadent dessert that layers smooth cream cheese, fresh berries, and a buttery graham cracker crust. This no-bake treat is perfect for warm weather when you want a refreshing and easy dessert without turning on the oven. It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, picnics, or holiday celebrations, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tang.
ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Melted butter
- Sugar
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
- Milk (for the filling)
directions
- Begin by making the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the crumbs are well-coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form a firm crust. Set aside.
- For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk, then fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Gently arrange the fresh berries on top of the cream cheese layer, pressing them lightly into the filling.
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Swap the mixed berries for other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or cherries.
- Add a drizzle of fruit syrup or jam over the top for extra sweetness.
- Use a pre-made pie crust for a quicker alternative to the graham cracker crust.
- Add a layer of lemon curd between the cream cheese filling and berries for a tangy twist.
storage/reheating
Store No Bake Berry Lush in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled, so there’s no need for reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, frozen berries work well, but make sure to thaw them before adding to the dessert to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this dessert the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, making it the night before will allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
What if I don’t have whipped topping?
You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.
Can I add more layers to this dessert?
Yes! You could add a layer of pudding or custard for extra creaminess.
Conclusion
No Bake Berry Lush is the ultimate hassle-free dessert for any occasion. With its creamy texture, sweet berries, and buttery crust, it’s a treat everyone will love. Simple to prepare and incredibly delicious, this dessert is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
No Bake Berry Lush
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No Bake Berry Lush is a creamy, indulgent dessert featuring layers of fluffy cream cheese filling, fresh berries, and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s easy to make, no baking required, and perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a cool, sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- In a small bowl, toss the mixed berries with lemon juice to enhance their flavor.
- Layer the berries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 3 hours, or until set, before serving.
Notes
- You can use any combination of berries, or even other fruits like peaches or mangoes.
- If you want a firmer dessert, freeze it for a couple of hours before serving for a semi-frozen treat.
- For extra flavor, add a small amount of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- This dessert is perfect for potlucks or summer picnics.