The Perfect Strawberry Delight Is the Summer Dessert That Has It All

This chilled layered dessert is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser—with buttery crust, whipped cream, cream cheese, and plenty of fresh strawberries.

Strawberry season is officially in full swing, and The Perfect Strawberry Delight makes the most of it in every bite. With layers of buttery shortbread crust, airy whipped topping, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy berries, it’s a no-bake classic that feels like summer in a dish. Whether you’re planning a family barbecue, picnic in the park, or weekend potluck, this make-ahead treat delivers comfort, freshness, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Why Strawberry Delight Is a Seasonal Essential

Creamy, cool, and bursting with flavor, this layered dessert is a playful throwback that still holds up in any modern kitchen. It’s built with real ingredients and thoughtful textures: sweet cream cheese, ripe strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and a jiggly jello layer that sets to perfection. Not only is it easy to assemble, but it also feeds a crowd and chills beautifully—ideal for warmer days.

Highlights:

• No Fuss, No Bake: Just layer, chill, and enjoy.

• Balanced Texture: Crumbly crust, rich filling, and light topping.

• Customizable: Easy to swap in different berries, crusts, or even make it extra creamy.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping the night before a gathering.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour

• Powdered sugar

• Salt

• Unsalted butter

For the Layers:

• Fresh strawberries, diced

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Heavy whipping cream

• Powdered sugar

• Strawberry gelatin mix

• Lemon juice

• Whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make Strawberry Delight

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 58 minutes
Servings: 16

1. Make the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Press into a greased 9x13 baking dish and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.

3. Layer the Dessert

Spread diced strawberries evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the berries and smooth out.

4. Add the Jello Layer

Mix the remaining cream cheese blend with strawberry gelatin and lemon juice. Stir until uniform and spread over the cream cheese layer. Chill for at least 10 minutes.

5. Finish with Whipped Topping

Spread whipped topping evenly over the gelatin layer. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set. Garnish with sliced strawberries before serving.

Variations and Tips

• Want it Extra Creamy? Double the cream cheese and increase sugar slightly for a thicker middle layer.

• Swap the Crust: Graham cracker or vanilla wafer crusts both work well.

• Go Homemade: Substitute store-bought whipped topping with freshly whipped cream (see notes below).

• For Best Results: Chill the cream, bowl, and beaters before whipping for faster peaks and better volume.

How to Store

Cover and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Note: the fresh strawberries may begin to release moisture after the first 48 hours, slightly softening the crust. It still tastes delicious, though!

Light, nostalgic, and bursting with bright berry flavor, Strawberry Delight checks every box for a warm-weather crowd-pleaser. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for effortless entertaining and guaranteed smiles.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more seasonal dessert inspiration, crowd-favorite classics, and fresh takes on nostalgic favorites.