Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh berries?

Absolutely, frozen berries will work in a pinch. Just thaw and drain them well first to avoid excess moisture, which can make the layers watery.

Can I make this dessert in advance for a party?

Yes! No-Bake Berry Lush is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it up to a day in advance and let it chill until serving. The flavors meld together even better with time.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

No worries! You can mix the cream cheese layer by hand with a sturdy whisk or spatula—just make sure the cream cheese is soft to get the smoothest texture.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?

Definitely. Freshly whipped cream gives a richer, more natural taste. Whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar to stiff peaks and substitute cup-for-cup. Be mindful: homemade whipped cream won’t hold as long as the stabilized store-bought version.

No-Bake Berry Lush Recipe

Description

This easy no-bake Berry Lush dessert features a buttery crushed vanilla wafer cookie base layered with a creamy whipped cream cheese filling and fresh berries. Perfect for summer gatherings, it requires no oven time and can be made ahead for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookie Crust

35 vanilla wafer cookies
5 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 (8 oz) containers whipped topping, thawed (divided)

For the Berry Layer

2 lbs fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

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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 to an 8-inch square baking pan, add melted butter, and stir until well combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one (8 oz) container of thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated.
Prepare the Berries – Rinse and dry the fresh berries. Slice any larger berries, such as strawberries, as desired.
Layer the Dessert – Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie crust. Arrange half of the berries on top of the cream cheese layer. Repeat with the remaining cream cheese mixture and berries to create another layer.
Add Final Topping and Chill – Spread about half of the remaining whipped topping (from the second container) over the final berry layer. Optionally, crumble a few more vanilla wafer cookies over the top for garnish. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until set. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can use any combination of fresh berries you prefer.
Chilling longer will help the layers set for cleaner slices.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free vanilla wafers.
This dessert can be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
Crumbled cookies on top add extra texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of dessert)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg