Strawberry Lasagna

Sharing is caring!

When the summer sun is shining and you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen, there’s no better dessert than a Strawberry Lasagna. This no-bake dessert is the ultimate summer treat, combining layers of pound cake, creamy vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of fudge sauce. With its refreshing flavors and easy prep, this dessert will soon become a favorite at your family gatherings, barbecues, or even a special afternoon tea.

Print

This recipe is an easy-to-make twist on traditional lasagna. By skipping the oven, you can still enjoy the indulgent, layered texture that makes lasagna such a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients like pound cake, cream cheese, and strawberries, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent but is actually very simple to put together. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible treat!

Ingredients Breakdown

The beauty of Strawberry Lasagna lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are accessible, and the layers come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to make this no-bake Strawberry Lasagna:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  The creamy foundation of this dessert. Cream cheese gives the filling a smooth, velvety texture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar.
• 2 (5.1-ounce) large packages instant vanilla pudding mix
  This is the secret ingredient that helps create the luscious, creamy texture. Instant vanilla pudding sets quickly, creating a smooth, custard-like base that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
• 2 cups half-and-half
  Half-and-half adds a richness to the pudding filling without being as heavy as full cream. It helps create the perfect consistency when mixed with the cream cheese and pudding.
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  A little bit of powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture without being overwhelming, creating the perfect balance with the other ingredients.
• 5 cups mashed fresh strawberries
  The star of the show—fresh strawberries give this dessert its natural sweetness and vibrant color. The strawberries are mashed and mixed with sugar and kirsch, allowing the fruit’s juices to develop and create a fruity layer that will shine through every bite.
• 1/4 cup kirsch
  A cherry-flavored liqueur that adds depth to the strawberry mixture. The alcohol is optional, but it enhances the flavor profile and adds a sophisticated touch. If you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with fruit juice.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  Granulated sugar helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their juices and allowing the fruit to become syrupy and sweet.
• 2 pound loaf-size cakes (store-bought)
  Pound cake is the base layer that holds everything together. The dense, slightly sweet cake provides the perfect contrast to the creamy filling and fruity strawberry layers. You can use any store-bought loaf cake or make your own if you prefer.
• 1 (16-ounce) container whipped topping
  A light and fluffy topping that adds airiness to the lasagna, balancing the denser layers underneath. It gives the dessert a soft, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Fudge sauce
  This is the finishing touch that takes the Strawberry Lasagna to the next level. The rich and glossy fudge sauce provides a decadent contrast to the fresh strawberries and whipped cream topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by beating together the softened cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding mix, half-and-half, and powdered sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture on high speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. If the mixture feels too thick, add a little more half-and-half to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Mixture
Next, take your fresh strawberries and mash them in a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar and kirsch to the mashed berries. The sugar will help draw out the juices, while the kirsch adds an aromatic kick. Set aside 1 cup of the strawberry mixture for later use (this will be pureed and drizzled on top), and let the rest sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Slice the Pound Cake
Slice the pound cakes lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices. You’ll need to line the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish with half of the pound cake slices. Make sure the slices fit neatly in a single layer, covering the bottom of the dish.

Step 4: Layer the Dessert
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the pound cake layer, smoothing it out evenly. Next, pour half of the strawberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly across. Repeat the process by adding the remaining pound cake slices, followed by the rest of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 5: Add the Whipped Topping
Top the cream cheese layer with the entire container of whipped topping, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This layer will give your lasagna its fluffy, light finish.

Step 6: Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce
Take the 1 cup of strawberry mixture that you set aside earlier and puree it in a blender until smooth. Drizzle this pureed strawberry sauce on top of the whipped topping for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 7: Refrigerate and Serve
Refrigerate the Strawberry Lasagna for at least 4 hours, or until it has set and chilled. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and the layers to firm up. When ready to serve, cut into squares and drizzle with fudge sauce for a touch of indulgence.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

The beauty of Strawberry Lasagna lies in the harmonious contrast of flavors and textures. The pound cake provides a tender, slightly sweet base that absorbs the rich cream cheese mixture, making each bite satisfyingly moist. The cream cheese layer, enhanced by the vanilla pudding, is indulgent yet light—smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced by the slight tang of the cheese.

The strawberry mixture adds a burst of fresh, fruity flavor with a touch of sweetness and a hint of tartness from the fresh fruit. The kirsch subtly elevates the berry flavor, though it’s not overpowering. The whipped topping on the very top adds an airy, cloud-like finish, while the fudgy drizzle brings a deep, rich contrast, tying everything together beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Pound Cake: If you prefer, you can use sponge cake, angel food cake, or even shortbread cookies as the base for your layers. For a more decadent option, use a homemade cake or a flavored cake, such as lemon or almond.
• Whipped Topping: If you’re looking for a homemade alternative, you can use freshly whipped heavy cream. Simply beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Kirsch: While kirsch adds a unique flavor, feel free to replace it with fruit juice like orange juice or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. Alternatively, you can leave it out altogether.
• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal, but you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t in season. Be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid in the layers.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry Lasagna is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

1. Pair with a Light Dessert Drink: A chilled glass of iced tea, lemon spritzer, or sparkling water with mint complements the fresh fruitiness of the dessert.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A few sprigs of mint on top of the whipped topping add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast.
3. Serve with a Side of Sorbet: For a more indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet for extra fruity freshness.

Conclusion

This no-bake Strawberry Lasagna is the perfect summer dessert to wow your guests with minimal effort. The layers of moist pound cake, creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and whipped topping come together for a delightful treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether it’s a barbecue, picnic, or family gathering, this dessert will be the star of the table. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this refreshing and indulgent dessert!