Name: A Delicious No-bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 pint fresh strawberries, tops removed and sliced; 3 Tablespoons sugar; 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature; ½ cup sifted powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons strawberry preserves, melted; 1 package lady fingers; ¼ cup orange juice; 16 ounce Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed divided use; 2 teaspoons strawberry extract; fresh sliced strawberries, for topping

Some desserts require hours in the kitchen, precise baking times, and a lot of patience. But this no-bake strawberry delight? It’s the kind of sweet treat that comes together effortlessly, yet tastes like you spent all day on it. Layers of creamy, tangy, and fruity goodness come together in a dish that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or those times when you just want something indulgent without turning on the oven.

A childhood favorite with a fresh twist

Growing up, my grandmother had a way of making desserts that felt like a hug on a plate. One of her favorites was a strawberry shortcake trifle, made with fresh berries, layers of cream, and soft biscuits soaked in fruit juice. It was a dessert that never lasted long in our house—spoons would fly, and before you knew it, the dish was scraped clean.

This no-bake strawberry delight reminds me so much of those flavors, but with a creamy cheesecake-style twist. Instead of biscuits, we use delicate ladyfingers soaked in orange juice, giving them a bright, citrusy kick. And the filling? It’s a dreamy mix of cream cheese and strawberry preserves, layered between fluffy whipped topping and fresh, macerated strawberries. It’s cool, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make ahead.

Where does this recipe come from?

While this particular no-bake dessert is a modern twist, layered strawberry treats have been around for generations. From English trifles to Italian tiramisu, layering creamy elements with soft biscuits or cake is a tried-and-true method of creating luxurious desserts. The use of ladyfingers, in particular, takes inspiration from tiramisu, but instead of coffee, we use orange juice to complement the fresh strawberries. This is one of those desserts that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to put together.

🍓 Let’s talk ingredients

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best results. If they’re a bit tart, the sugar and lemon juice will help bring out their sweetness.
Granulated sugar & lemon juice: These help macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices and creating a syrupy consistency.
Cream cheese: This gives the filling a rich, tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet strawberries. Make sure it’s fully softened to avoid lumps.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without the grainy texture of regular sugar, keeping the filling smooth.
Strawberry preserves: Enhances the berry flavor and gives the filling a little extra fruitiness. If you don’t have preserves, a bit of strawberry jam works just as well.
Ladyfingers: These delicate, sponge-like cookies soak up the orange juice, adding a soft texture that holds everything together. If you’re out of ladyfingers, vanilla wafers or pound cake make great substitutes.
Orange juice: Instead of using coffee like in traditional tiramisu, orange juice gives a bright, citrusy contrast to the strawberries and cream.
Cool Whip: Light and fluffy, this adds an airy texture to the layers. You can also use homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
Strawberry extract: A small but powerful ingredient that enhances the strawberry flavor in the topping. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract works well too.

Essential kitchen tools

You don’t need much to make this dessert, but a few tools will make the process even easier:

Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for the different layers.
Electric mixer: This helps get the cream cheese perfectly smooth. A whisk works in a pinch, but be prepared for a bit of an arm workout!
Baking dish: A 9×9 or 11×7 dish works best for layering. If using a larger dish, you may need to adjust the layers slightly.
Spatula: Helps spread each layer evenly.

Step-by-step: how to make this no-bake strawberry delight

Prep the strawberries

In a large bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Give them a gentle stir and let them sit while you prepare the other layers. This allows the berries to release their natural juices, creating a light syrup that adds extra flavor.

Make the creamy filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted strawberry preserves with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in a cup of whipped topping to lighten the mixture. Set aside.

Prep the ladyfingers

Pour the orange juice into a shallow bowl and quickly dip each ladyfinger, just enough to moisten them. Don’t let them soak too long or they’ll become too soft and fall apart.

Mix the topping

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining Cool Whip with the strawberry extract. This adds an extra punch of berry flavor to the top layer.

Assemble the layers

Spread half of the cream cheese filling onto the bottom of your dish.
Add a layer of half the ladyfingers, breaking them if needed to fit.
Spoon half of the strawberries (along with some juice) over the ladyfingers.
Spread the remaining cream cheese filling on top.
Follow with half the strawberry-flavored whipped topping.
Add another layer of ladyfingers, then the rest of the strawberries.
Finish with the remaining whipped topping.

Chill and serve

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh sliced strawberries.

Variations & fun twists

This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Here are some fun ways to change it up:

Make it chocolatey: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate between the layers or use chocolate-covered strawberries for extra indulgence.
Try a tropical twist: Swap the strawberries for mangoes and use pineapple juice instead of orange juice.
Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers or layer with gluten-free graham crackers instead.
Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for a lactose-free version.
Use different berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries work just as well in place of strawberries.

How to serve it beautifully

For a gorgeous presentation, top each serving with a whole strawberry or a few mint leaves. Serve it in clear glasses or individual dessert cups for an elegant touch at parties. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or white chocolate shavings makes it even more stunning.

The best drink pairings

This dessert pairs beautifully with:

A chilled glass of rosé or prosecco for a refreshing contrast.
A fruity strawberry lemonade for a non-alcoholic option.
A warm cup of vanilla-scented tea for a cozy pairing.

Storing leftovers

This dessert keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. If you need to freeze it, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

Final thoughts

This no-bake strawberry delight is proof that you don’t need to bake to create a stunning dessert. It’s sweet, creamy, and packed with fresh berry flavor, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to add your own twist!