Light, fruity, and bursting with color, this Summer Berry Jello Lasagna is a refreshing no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a fluffy berry gelatin topping filled with fresh mixed berries, each bite is cool, sweet, and irresistibly light. It’s a layered dessert that delivers both elegance and ease, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or backyard celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert offers everything you want in a summer treat: no baking, vibrant fruit flavors, and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s simple to make ahead, serves a crowd, and features visually stunning layers that look as good as they taste. The balance of tart berries, rich cream cheese, and airy Cool Whip creates a light, satisfying bite without feeling too heavy. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable based on your favorite jello and fruit combinations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 package berry-flavored jello (strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Fold in half of the Cool Whip (about 4 oz) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust and return to the refrigerator.
- In another bowl, dissolve the berry-flavored jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved and allow to cool to room temperature (do not refrigerate or let it set).
- Once cooled, gently fold in the remaining Cool Whip and the fresh mixed berries.
- Carefully pour or spoon the jello mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Slice and serve cold. Garnish with additional fresh berries if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 310 kcal
Variations
- Crust options: Use crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies in place of graham crackers for a sweeter base.
- Flavor twist: Try lemon, cherry, or peach-flavored jello with matching fruits for a different take.
- Berry choices: Use all one type of berry or include blackberries, sliced grapes, or chopped kiwi for added variety.
- Extra creamy layer: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer.
- Top layer garnish: Decorate with mint leaves or drizzle with berry syrup before serving for added flair.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the jello and berries may change upon thawing.
- Reheating: This dessert is served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert a day ahead?
Yes, it’s ideal for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and chill overnight to ensure a firm set.
Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are preferred for texture, but you can use thawed frozen berries if well-drained.
What type of jello works best?
Berry-flavored gelatin such as strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry works best to complement the fresh fruit.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, just ensure it’s stabilized to hold its shape in the layered mixture.
Is the crust supposed to be baked?
No, this is a no-bake crust. Just chill it to help it firm up.
Can I add a top layer of whipped topping?
Absolutely. Add an extra layer of Cool Whip or whipped cream on top before garnishing.
What’s the best way to slice this dessert neatly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts for neat slices.
How do I keep the jello from seeping into the cheesecake layer?
Allow the jello to cool completely to room temperature before layering. This helps it sit on top rather than blend in.
Can I use a different pan size?
A 9×13-inch dish works best for layering, but you can halve the recipe for an 8×8-inch dish.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust, and confirm all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Summer Berry Jello Lasagna is a vibrant, make-ahead dessert that brings cool, refreshing flavor to your summer table. With its creamy layers, juicy berries, and light texture, it’s a treat that both looks beautiful and tastes delicious. Whether for family gatherings, holidays, or casual afternoons in the sun, this no-bake dessert is sure to be a seasonal favorite.
Summer Berry Jello Lasagna
Light, fruity, and colorful, this Summer Berry Jello Lasagna features layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, whipped topping, berry gelatin, and fresh mixed berries—an irresistible no-bake dessert perfect for sunny days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 package berry-flavored jello (strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Fold in half of the Cool Whip.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- In another bowl, dissolve the berry-flavored jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Let cool to room temperature (do not let it set).
- Once cooled, gently fold in the remaining Cool Whip and the fresh mixed berries.
- Carefully pour or spoon the jello mixture over the cream cheese layer and smooth the top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Slice and serve cold, optionally garnished with more fresh berries.
Notes
- Use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers.
- Let the jello cool completely before mixing with berries and Cool Whip to avoid melting.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for picnics, potlucks, or parties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg