Refreshing Strawberry Delight is a light and creamy dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a rich, fluffy filling. This no-bake dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a summer gathering, holiday celebration, or anytime you want a cool, refreshing treat. Whether served in individual portions or in a large dish, Strawberry Delight is sure to become a favorite dessert.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
For the topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for macerating the strawberries)
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Directions:
For the crust:
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Form the crust: Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or an 8-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to compact the crust firmly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
For the filling:
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until the filling is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the dessert:
- Layer the filling: Spread the creamy filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Top with strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries over the filling. If you want to sweeten the strawberries, toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
Chill and serve:
- Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint if desired.
Notes:
- Sweetness Level: You can adjust the amount of sugar used for the strawberries depending on their natural sweetness.
- Berry Variations: While strawberries are the star here, you can substitute with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and let it set in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to keep the dessert fresh.
Conclusion:
Refreshing Strawberry Delight is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and sweetened fresh strawberries, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, making it the ideal treat for warm weather or any time you need a sweet, no-bake dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for something sweet to enjoy, Strawberry Delight will quickly become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Refreshing Strawberry Delight ahead of time, and if so, how far in advance?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the entire dessert the night before and let it set in the refrigerator overnight. For optimal results, assemble the dessert up to 24 hours in advance. Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the graham cracker crust may soften slightly over time.
What substitutions can I make for the graham cracker crumbs, and how will it affect the flavor and texture of the crust?
You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with other cookie crumbs, such as digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies, using a 1:1 ratio. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers. Using different cookies will alter the flavor profile; digestive biscuits offer a slightly more spiced flavor, while shortbread will result in a richer, buttery taste. The texture will remain similar, though the crumb size might vary slightly.
How do I know when the filling is perfectly set and ready to serve?
The filling is perfectly set when it holds its shape and is firm to the touch. After chilling for at least 4 hours, the filling should be firm enough to slice cleanly. You can gently press the top of the filling; if it springs back slightly, it’s ready. The strawberries should also be softened slightly from the chilling process.
Can I double or scale down this Refreshing Strawberry Delight recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for the crust and double all the ingredients for the filling and topping. The cooking time will remain the same. For scaling down, halve all the ingredients and use a smaller dish, such as a 6×6 inch dish. Be sure to adjust the chilling time accordingly, checking for the set of the filling.
What are the nutritional highlights of this Refreshing Strawberry Delight, and are there any health benefits?
This dessert provides a good source of Vitamin C from the strawberries, which is an antioxidant. The cream cheese offers calcium, and the graham crackers provide some fiber. While it is a dessert, the strawberries contribute to a relatively lower sugar content compared to other desserts. The fresh fruit also provides a boost of natural sweetness and flavor, making it a healthier choice.
Refreshing Strawberry Delight
This delightful strawberry recipe combines fresh berries with a hint of mint for a refreshing summer treat.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh mint leaves chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries and sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and mint to the strawberries. Mix well to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Notes
For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
