A Delicious No-bake Recipe

Strawberries and cream are a match made in dessert heaven, but when you layer them with soft ladyfingers and a luscious cream cheese filling, you get something truly magical. This no-bake strawberry delight is light, creamy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor. The best part? No need to turn on the oven!

this RECIPE

I first made this recipe for a family picnic, hoping for a fuss-free dessert that would hold up in the heat. By the time I pulled it out of the cooler, the layers had set beautifully, and the juicy strawberries had soaked into the ladyfingers just enough to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Everyone went back for seconds, and I knew this one was a keeper.

A little backstory on this classic treat

No-bake desserts have been around for centuries, but this particular version takes inspiration from classic tiramisu. Instead of coffee and cocoa, we use bright, summery strawberries and a hint of citrus to keep things fresh. Ladyfingers, traditionally used in European desserts, soak up the flavors perfectly, making each bite soft yet structured. Over time, variations of this dessert have popped up, some using graham crackers or vanilla wafers instead of ladyfingers. But trust me—ladyfingers give it that delicate, bakery-style feel that’s hard to beat.

Let’s talk ingredients: fresh, creamy, and oh-so-good

🍓 Strawberries

The star of the show! Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and juiciness to the dish. If you’re out of season, frozen strawberries can work, but let them thaw completely and drain the excess liquid. Want to mix things up? Try raspberries or a combo of both.

🧀 Cream cheese

This gives the filling its rich, velvety texture. Full-fat cream cheese works best, but if you’re looking to lighten it up, Neufchâtel cheese is a good substitute. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing to avoid lumps.

🍊 Orange juice

A little citrus helps balance the sweetness and adds a subtle zing. If you’re out of orange juice, a mix of lemon juice and a splash of water can do the trick.

☁️ Cool Whip

The fluffy topping that ties it all together! You can swap it for homemade whipped cream if you prefer a fresher taste—just beat 2 cups of heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

🍪 Ladyfingers

These light, slightly crisp cookies are the perfect base for soaking up all the strawberry juices. If you can’t find them, sponge cake cut into strips or vanilla wafers make a great alternative.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need

• A hand or stand mixer (for silky smooth filling)
• A 9×9 or 11×7 baking dish
• Mixing bowls (you’ll need a few!)
• A spatula for spreading layers evenly
• Plastic wrap for chilling

Step-by-step: layering up the goodness

🍓 Prep the strawberries

Start by slicing the strawberries and tossing them with sugar and lemon juice. This step helps release their natural juices, creating a syrupy sweetness that will soak into the ladyfingers later. Set them aside while you prepare the filling.

🧁 Whip up the filling

Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted strawberry preserves until smooth and creamy. Stir in a cup of Cool Whip to lighten the texture. This layer is rich and tangy, making it the perfect contrast to the sweet berries.

🍊 Soak the ladyfingers

Place the ladyfingers in a bowl and drizzle with orange juice. Be careful not to drench them—you want them moist but not soggy.

🏗️ Assemble the layers

1. Spread half the cream cheese filling in your dish.
2. Add a layer of half the ladyfingers, breaking them as needed.
3. Spoon half the strawberries (with some juice) over the ladyfingers.
4. Spread the remaining cream cheese filling on top.
5. Add half of the strawberry-flavored whipped topping.
6. Layer the rest of the ladyfingers.
7. Top with the remaining strawberries and juice.
8. Finish with the last of the strawberry whipped topping.

⏳ Chill and set

Cover with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up beautifully.

Fun variations to try

🍫 Chocolate twist

Swap the strawberry preserves for melted chocolate and drizzle some over the top for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe.

🥭 Tropical version

Use mango or pineapple instead of strawberries and soak the ladyfingers in coconut milk.

🌱 Lighter alternative

Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher, less sweet version.

🍰 Cookie crust

If you prefer a crunchier base, use crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers instead of ladyfingers.

How to serve it up in style

For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh strawberry slices right before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves can add an elegant touch. Serve it chilled, straight from the fridge, with a small spoon to scoop up all the layers.

Drink pairings to make it even better

• Iced tea: A lightly sweetened peach or lemon iced tea complements the fresh strawberries.
• Sparkling wine: A glass of Prosecco or Moscato enhances the fruity flavors and makes it feel extra special.
• Coffee or espresso: If you love classic tiramisu, pairing this dessert with coffee gives a nice balance to the sweetness.

Storing and making ahead

This dessert keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap. The longer it sits, the softer the ladyfingers become, so if you like a firmer texture, eat it sooner rather than later. Freezing isn’t recommended since the whipped topping may lose its airy texture when thawed.

Adjusting for different servings

Making this for a crowd? Double the ingredients and assemble it in a 9×13 dish. Need a smaller portion? Halve the ingredients and layer everything in individual cups for a cute, single-serving treat.

Common questions, answered!

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid so the dessert doesn’t get too watery.

What can I use instead of ladyfingers?
Sponge cake, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies work as great substitutes.

How long should I chill it?
At least 6 hours, but overnight is best for the flavors to really blend.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely! Just whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! This dessert is actually better when made a day ahead, so the flavors have time to develop.

This no-bake strawberry delight is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just a treat-yourself moment. Try it out, make it your own, and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!

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