Description
A delicious and easy No Bake Berry Dessert Lush featuring a buttery cookie crust, creamy cheesecake layer, fresh berries, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for a quick, refreshing dessert that requires no baking and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Crust
- 35 vanilla wafer cookies (1 ½ cups), plus more for topping
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
Topping
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed (reserved)
- 1-2 pounds fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or your favorite), sliced as desired
- Vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (for garnish)
Instructions
- Crush Cookies: Place vanilla wafer cookies into a large resealable gallon-size bag. Seal almost completely, leaving about 1 inch open so air can escape, then crush the cookies finely using a rolling pin.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cookie crumbs with the melted butter using a fork to evenly distribute. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan to form the crust layer.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, blend until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one 8-ounce container of whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Berries: Wash and slice fresh berries such as strawberries and blueberries according to your preference to create the fresh fruit layer.
- Assemble Dessert: Spread half of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cookie crust. Layer half of the sliced berries over the cheesecake layer. Carefully spread the remaining cheesecake mixture on top, then add the remaining berries as a final fruit layer.
- Add Final Toppings: Spread about half of the remaining whipped topping over the assembled dessert. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafer cookies atop the whipped topping layer if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the dessert for about one hour to allow it to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- You can substitute the fresh berries with any seasonal fruits of your choice.
- For a thicker crust, consider adding a few more crushed cookies and butter.
- This dessert is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Use cold whipped topping straight from the fridge for best texture.
