Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 36 pieces Golden Oreos, crushed (Crushed into fine crumbs); 6 tablespoons Butter, melted; 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened (At room temperature); 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 1 cup Cool Whip (For cream cheese layer); 2 packages Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix (3.4 ounces each); 3 cups Milk; 3.5 cups Fresh Strawberries, sliced; 1 cup Cool Whip (For topping)

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Creamy, dreamy, and packed with juicy strawberries, this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is the kind of no-bake dessert that disappears fast at family gatherings. It layers a buttery Golden Oreo crust with a silky cream cheese layer, a light cheesecake pudding middle, and a crown of fresh strawberries finished with fluffy Cool Whip. Fun fact: layered “lush” desserts gained popularity for being simple yet impressive — they look elegant without hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for busy bakers who want big flavor with minimal effort. It’s quick to assemble, family-friendly, and so satisfying that kids and adults alike will ask for seconds. If you love easy layered desserts, you’ll also enjoy our strawberry cheesecake lush recipe page which explores similar show-stopping treats. Ready to make something gorgeous with almost no fuss? Grab your mixing bowl and let’s go!

What is Strawberry Cheesecake Lush?

What’s in a name? Strawberry Cheesecake Lush sounds like a decadent nickname given by someone who loves dessert — and maybe a little extra time with their sweet tooth. Is it lush because it’s lavishly layered? Because each bite is luxuriously creamy? Or because it makes you sigh happily after the first forkful? Who knows, but as the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Maybe that explains why this dessert gets made again and again at family dinners.

Legend has it a busy cook named a layered no-bake dessert “lush” to make it sound fancy without the fuss. Try this one and you’ll understand why the name stuck. If laughter and dessert are on your menu tonight, this recipe is your friend — go ahead and try it!

Why You’ll Love This

This dessert is irresistible for three big reasons. First, the texture contrast: crisp, buttery Golden Oreo crumbs give way to a rich, tangy cream cheese layer, then a pillowy cheesecake pudding filling, topped with juicy fresh strawberries and cool whipped topping. Second, making it at home saves money compared to bakery versions, and you control the quality and freshness of ingredients. Third, the toppings — bright strawberries and extra Cool Whip — add freshness and visual appeal that make every serving feel special.

Compared to other pie-style desserts on the blog, this lush is much faster than baking a full cheesecake and more forgiving for beginners. If you enjoyed our layered desserts, you might also like the fruity twist found in the Banana Strawberry Cheesecake Fantasy. Ready to make a dessert that looks fancy but is effortless? Let’s get started.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is easy to assemble, needs no baking, and delivers a satisfying mix of creamy and fresh textures. Preparation is straightforward: make the crust, whip the cream cheese layer, prepare the instant cheesecake pudding, layer sliced strawberries, and chill until set. The standout element is the contrast between the crunchy cookie base and the smooth cheesecake layers. Total time: about 20 minutes active prep plus 2 hours chilling for best results.

Ingredients

36 Golden Oreos, crushed into fine crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (16-ounce) container of Cool Whip, divided (you will need about 1 cup + 1 cup + remaining for topping)
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant cheesecake pudding mix
3 cups milk
3½ cups sliced strawberries, fresh

Directions

Crush the Golden Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a Ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Make sure the crumbs are evenly fine so the crust presses together nicely.
Combine the crushed Oreos with melted butter and press into a 9×13 pan to form the base. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press firmly and evenly. Refrigerate to set for at least 10–15 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of Cool Whip until smooth. Scrape sides with a spatula to ensure no lumps remain. Spread this mixture over the chilled cookie base in an even layer.
In another bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix and milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip gently until combined, then spread over the cream cheese layer evenly.
Arrange sliced strawberries over the pudding layer, covering the surface for a generous fruit topping. You can fan slices or scatter them for a rustic look.
Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the top of the strawberries for a fluffy finish. Smooth with an offset spatula if desired.
Refrigerate until firm before serving, at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for clean slices.

Strawberry Cheesecake Lush

What to Serve With

Pair this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush with light accompaniments to balance the richness. Suggestions:

Fresh berry salad with a squeeze of lemon for brightness
A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to cleanse the palate
A cup of strong coffee or espresso for contrast
Iced tea with a sprig of mint to keep the dessert feeling fresh
Vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert plate

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature cream cheese so it blends smooth without lumps.
Press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan to avoid a crumbly base when slicing.
Chill for at least 2 hours; longer chilling helps layers set and slices hold shape.
Substitute fresh raspberries or a mixed berry medley for a twist, or use light Cool Whip if you prefer lower fat.
Avoid slicing too soon — give the pudding layer time to firm up so your squares look neat.
If your strawberries are watery, pat them dry to prevent soggy layers.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until serving for best texture.
Freezing: You can freeze uncut portions wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note: texture of Cool Whip may change slightly after freezing.
Reheating: This is best enjoyed chilled; do not reheat. If you prefer softer dessert, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Make it the day before and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and slicing. It also holds well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream may soften faster. Use stabilized whipped cream (with a bit of gelatin) if you want similar hold.

Can I substitute another cookie for the crust?
Absolutely. Graham crackers, vanilla wafer crumbs, or crushed shortbread all work well. Adjust butter as needed to reach the right consistency.

Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes — use gluten-free Golden Oreo-style cookies or a gluten-free cookie crumb for the crust.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce powdered sugar slightly in the cream cheese layer, but the instant pudding has preset sweetness. Taste the pudding after mixing and adjust by using low-sugar pudding if desired.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is a foolproof, no-bake showstopper that balances creamy richness with fresh fruit brightness — perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a special weeknight treat. It’s simple to assemble, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even beginner bakers can master. For more inspiration and similar layered desserts, check out Butter with a Side of Bread’s Strawberry Cheesecake Lush for a slightly different take, or read the unique spin at Welcome Home Blog’s Strawberry Cheesecake Lush. Give this lush a try, share it with friends, and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite.