The Ultimate “Wait For It” Treat: My No-Bake Strawberry Graham Dessert
I don’t know about you, but I am all about easy desserts. There is something so satisfying about putting together a show-stopping treat without ever having to preheat the oven or worry about a cake sinking in the middle, or, if you’re like me, flour all over the place.
If you’re looking for that perfect balance of crunch, fruit, and silkiness, let me introduce you to my No-Bake Strawberry Graham Dessert.
The Beauty of the Process
While this dessert is incredibly simple to assemble, I’ll be honest with you—it’s an exercise in patience. This isn’t a “make and eat in five minutes” kind of deal. Instead, it’s a labor of love that happens in stages.
Here is why the wait is worth every second:
- The Graham Cracker Base: It starts with that classic, buttery graham cracker crust. It needs its time in the fridge to firm up and become the perfect foundation for what’s to come.
- The Strawberry Layer: Next comes the Jello. Watching it set into that vibrant, ruby-red layer is half the fun. It provides that nostalgic, refreshing sweetness that screams “summer,” even if you’re enjoying it in the middle of January.
- The Grand Finale: Finally, you crown the whole thing with whipped cream and cream cheese icing. It is oh-so-creamy and provides the perfect tangy-sweet contrast to the strawberries.
Why You’ll Love It
The magic of this dessert lies in its simplicity. It’s as easy as mixing a few ingredients and then letting time do the heavy lifting.
It’s the ideal dish for a potluck, a family dinner, or just a Tuesday when you want something sweet waiting for you in the fridge. Because everything is chilled, every bite feels light and airy—even though that cream cheese and whipped cream icing adds a richness that feels totally indulgent.
Tip: The longer it sits, the more the graham cracker crumbs soften just a tiny bit into the jello filling, creating a texture that is almost like a refrigerator cake.
Just a Little Wait to Indulge
If you can handle the anticipation of letting each layer set, you will be rewarded with a dessert that looks like it took hours of effort but really only took a few minutes of active prep.
There’s something special about a dessert that forces you to slow down. By the time you finally sink your spoon into that creamy top layer and hit the strawberry center, the wait only makes the first bite taste that much sweeter.
No Bake | Strawberry Graham Dessert
No oven? No problem! 🍓 This No-Bake Strawberry Graham Dessert is the ultimate creamy, dreamy treat. It’s a simple, layered masterpiece that’s worth every minute of the wait. Grab a spoon and get ready to indulge!
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 2 Hours 20 Minutes (or more for setting)
- Yield: 12 Servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave, Fridge, No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the crust base
- 3- Cups Pre-packaged Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3- Cup Brown sugar
- 1 & 1/2- Stick’s of butter
For the middle
- 1- 6oz Package of Strawberry Jell-O
- 2- Cups boiled water.
- 1 & 1/2- Cups Cold water
Frosting
- 1- 8oz block of cream cheese (softened at room temp)
- 1- Cup Powdered sugar
- 1- 8oz tub Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Jell-O with 2 cups boiling water stir to dissolve, then add 1 & 1/2 cups cold water and set aside.
- In a microwave save mixing bowl, melt the 1 & 1/2 cups butter.
- Next add the 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs to the melted butter and combine well.
- Next spray a 9×13 baking dish with non stick baking spray.
- Then pour the graham cracker crumb mixture into the baking dish.
- Spread the graham cracker crumb mixture throughout the baking dish with your hands. Pressing Lightly and evenly on bottom, sides and corners.
- Chill crust in fridge for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, pour the Jell-O you had set aside onto the crust. (don’t be alarmed some will sink into the crust but it still sets up well).
- Chill again in the fridge until the Jell-O is set (about 2 or so hours)
- Prepare the frosting just before you remove the chilled dish from the fridge. In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar and whipped cream.
- Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, spread the frosting evenly on top of the Jell-O.
- Place completed dish into the fridge and chill at least 1 more hour.
- Slice, Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Keep stored in baking dish in the refrigerator.
- Cover with lid, Press n Seal or Cling wrap.
- This keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- I did not try freezing this.
Top With
- Strawberry Sauce
- Fresh strawberries
- Extra graham cracker crumbs
You Will Need
- Microwave safe mixing bowl
- Another mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Food processor (to crumb graham crackers, if you are not using pre-packaged crumbs)
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Lid for baking pan, Press n Seal, or Cling wrap.
- Measuring cups
So, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s low-stress but high-reward, this is the one. Whether you’re making it for a backyard BBQ or just as a weekend treat for yourself, this layered beauty never fails to impress.
Just remember: patience is a virtue, especially when there’s that oh-so-creamy icing involved! It’s the perfect reminder that the best things in life—and the sweetest treats—are always worth the wait. Happy chilling (and even happier eating)!
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