No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna is a refreshing, no-fuss dessert that layers creamy cheesecake, juicy berries, and a graham cracker crust for a showstopping summer treat. With its red, white, and blue colors, it’s perfect for patriotic holidays, backyard BBQs, and sunny-day celebrations. Best of all, there’s no oven required—just layer, chill, and serve!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required—easy and summer-friendly
• Light, fruity, and perfectly sweet
• Colorful layers make it perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any summer gathering
• Great make-ahead dessert
• Customizable with your favorite berries or flavors

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted unsalted butter
• Strawberry jam (optional, for extra berry flavor)
• Red gel food coloring (optional)

Cheesecake Layer:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, diced
• Whipped topping or homemade whipped cream

Blueberry Gelatin Layer:

• Berry blue gelatin mix (e.g., Jell-O)
• Boiling water
• Blueberry pie filling
• Crushed pineapple, drained

Topping:

• More whipped topping or whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries, halved
• Fresh blueberries
• Optional: white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)

directions

1. Make the crust:
   In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional strawberry jam and red gel food coloring. Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish and freeze while you prepare the next layer.
2. Whip the cream (if homemade):
   Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Set aside or use prepared whipped topping.
3. Make the cheesecake layer:
   In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped cream or topping and diced strawberries. Spread evenly over the chilled crust and refrigerate.
4. Prepare the blueberry layer:
   Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, stir well, then cool for 15–20 minutes. Stir in blueberry pie filling and drained crushed pineapple. Let it thicken slightly at room temperature, then pour over cheesecake layer. Chill until fully set.
5. Finish and garnish:
   Spread remaining whipped topping over the set gelatin layer. Decorate with fresh berries and drizzle with melted white chocolate, if desired.
6. Chill before serving:
   Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight. Slice and serve cold.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Chill time: 5–6 hours or overnight
• Total time: 5.5–6.5 hours

Variations

• Berry mix: Swap in raspberries or blackberries with strawberries and blueberries
• Different crust: Use vanilla wafer or Oreo crust for a unique twist
• Lighter option: Use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust
• Lemon twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the cheesecake layer

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator covered tightly for up to 4 days.
Not freezer-friendly—gelatin and whipped layers may separate when thawed.
Serve cold; no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! It’s perfect for making a day in advance. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Not at all. It’s optional and only for enhanced color in the red layer.

Can I use fresh berries instead of pie filling?

For the gelatin layer, stick with pie filling for consistency. You can add fresh berries on top or to the cheesecake layer.

What’s the best way to cut neat slices?

Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each slice.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes! It works great and cuts down on prep time.

How long should it chill before serving?

At least 5 hours, but overnight is best for clean layers and firm texture.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

It’s sweet but balanced by the tart berries and cream cheese. You can adjust sugar levels to your taste.

Can I add a layer of pudding?

Yes—vanilla or cheesecake pudding can be added between the cheesecake and gelatin layers for extra richness.

Can I use frozen berries?

Fresh is best for the topping. Frozen can work in the cheesecake layer if thawed and drained well.

Is this a good potluck dessert?

Absolutely. It serves a crowd, travels well in a dish, and doesn’t need reheating.

Conclusion

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna is the ultimate warm-weather dessert—light, fruity, and impressively layered. Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth of July or just craving something sweet and cool, this dessert is sure to wow your family and guests. Easy to prepare and full of seasonal flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to all summer long.

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