Welcome to my food blog, where I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite dessert recipes: Strawberry Cheesecake Lush! This delectable treat is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, luscious strawberries, and crunchy Golden Oreos.
It’s the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your guests at any gathering. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is a go-to dessert for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the delightful taste of strawberries and cheesecake. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a luscious dessert to enjoy at home, this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is the answer. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why It’s Great
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of softened cream cheese and Cool Whip results in a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Refreshing and Fruity: The abundance of fresh, sliced strawberries adds a refreshing twist to the classic cheesecake flavor, making it perfect for summertime or any time you’re in the mood for something fruity and light.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to create this delightful dessert.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: You can prepare this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush in advance, allowing you to focus on other preparations for your gathering.
- Versatile: While this recipe is already a crowd favorite, you can easily customize it by adding different fruits or experimenting with different flavors of Oreos and pudding mix.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment ready:
- Food processor or gallon-sized Ziplock bag and rolling pin (for crushing Oreos)
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch pan
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Recipe Tips and Shortcuts
- No-Bake Version: If you’re short on time or don’t want to use the oven, you can skip the step of melting butter and pressing the crust. Instead, use store-bought graham cracker crust as a convenient and equally tasty alternative.
- Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are out of season or unavailable, you can use frozen strawberries instead. Just thaw and drain them before layering onto the dessert.
- Oreo Variations: While the classic Golden Oreos work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with different Oreo flavors like chocolate or strawberry for a unique twist.
Recipe Variations
- Blueberry Cheesecake Lush: Swap the sliced strawberries with fresh blueberries for a delightful blueberry cheesecake lush variation.
- Chocolate Delight Lush: Replace the cheesecake pudding mix with chocolate pudding mix and top with chocolate shavings for an indulgent chocolate delight lush.
Leftover Storage
If you have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with this delicious dessert!), cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, we bet it won’t last that long!
Food Pairing
Pair this delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Lush with a tall glass of iced tea or a refreshing lemonade for the ultimate summer treat. The tangy flavors of the drinks beautifully complement the creamy sweetness of the dessert.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! While Cool Whip provides convenience, homemade whipped cream is a fantastic substitute. Simply whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, and you have a delicious homemade alternative.
Q2: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely! Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is an ideal make-ahead dessert. In fact, it’s even better when refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Q3: Can I use low-fat or sugar-free ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pudding mix, and light Cool Whip if you prefer a lighter version of this dessert. It will still be just as tasty!
Ingredients
- 1 package Golden Oreos (36 cookies)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip, divided
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 3½ cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Oreos
Start by crushing the entire package of Golden Oreos. If you have a food processor, it will make this step a breeze. However, if you don't, simply place the cookies in a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a large bowl and mix in the melted butter thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Press the Oreo mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan to create a solid cookie crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you move on to the next layer.
Step 3: Cream Cheese Layer
Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Spread this creamy layer over the cookie crust, ensuring an even distribution.
Step 4: Pudding Layer
In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant cheesecake pudding mix and milk until the pudding thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, gently fold in another cup of Cool Whip to add extra creaminess. Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Add Sliced Strawberries
Layer the freshly sliced strawberries on top of the pudding layer, arranging them neatly to create a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Final Cool Whip Layer
Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the sliced strawberries, completely covering the dessert.
Step 7: Refrigerate and Serve
Place the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a more delicious and cohesive dessert. When you're ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy the heavenly taste of this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush!