Strawberry Lush
Ingredients
- Crust
- Cream Cheese Layer
- Pudding Layer
- Top Layers
Instructions
- Make the crust — In a bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and chopped nuts if using. Mix well. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Let cool completely to room temperature.
- Make the cream cheese layer — Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, no lumps. Fold in 1½ cups Cool Whip. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- Make the pudding layer — Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Spread pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add strawberries — Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries in an even layer over the pudding.
- Top with Cool Whip — Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the strawberry layer.
- Chill — Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Serve — Slice into squares and serve cold. Optionally garnish with additional fresh strawberries just before serving.
Notes
What is a lush? — A “lush” is a Midwestern no-bake layered dessert (also called a dessert lasagna or icebox dessert) with a cookie/nut crust, cheesecake layer, pudding layer, fruit, and whipped topping.
Fresh strawberries — Add strawberries close to serving time if making more than a day ahead, as they can release juice and make the layers watery.
Crust alternatives — Graham crackers, golden Oreos, or shortbread cookies all work in place of vanilla wafers.
Pudding flavor — Cheesecake instant pudding in place of vanilla makes a delicious variation.
Make ahead — Excellent make-ahead dessert. Assemble everything except the final strawberry garnish up to 24 hours in advance.
Yield — Serves 12–16.