Description
This easy No-Bake Berry Lush dessert features layers of vanilla wafer cookie crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and an abundance of fresh berries, all topped with fluffy whipped topping. Ready in just a few steps with no oven required, it’s the perfect chilled treat for summer gatherings or weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Crust
- 35 vanilla wafer cookies
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
Berries
- 2 lbs fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries; slice larger berries if desired)
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed (for topping)
- Additional vanilla wafer cookies, crumbled (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Crust: Place the vanilla wafer cookies in a large ziptop bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs into an 8-inch square baking pan. Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated, then firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one container (8 oz) of whipped topping until fully incorporated, creating a fluffy filling.
- Prepare the Berries: Wash the fresh berries thoroughly. If using larger berries like strawberries, slice them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Layer the Dessert: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared cookie crust. Top with half of the berries, spreading them out for even distribution. Repeat with a second layer: spread the remaining cream cheese mixture, followed by the remaining berries.
- Add the Topping: Spread half of the remaining tub of whipped topping on top of the berry layer. Optionally, crumble more vanilla wafer cookies and sprinkle over the top as a garnish.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the dessert for at least 1 hour to allow it to set. Slice into pieces and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Use a mix of your favorite berries or whatever is in season.
- For a firmer crust, briefly freeze the crust layer before adding the filling.
- Dessert can be made up to a day ahead for convenience.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of pan
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 44mg
