No-Bake Strawberry Dessert
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If you’re craving something sweet but don’t feel like turning on the oven, this easy no bake strawberry dessert is exactly what you need. It’s made with just five simple ingredients and chills into the perfect make-ahead dessert for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want something light and sweet without the fuss.
Searching for more strawberry favorites? Give my Strawberry Icebox Cake, Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino Recipe, Jello Strawberry Cheesecakes, and Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe a try. All must-makes and family approved.
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Dessert
- No oven required: Perfect for hot days or when you just don’t want to bake.
- Only five ingredients: Simple pantry staples you probably already have.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- Great for gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or last-minute desserts.
This recipe actually started as one of those “throw together what’s in the fridge” moments that turned into something my family now requests all the time. It’s a little like strawberry shortcake, a little like trifle, and completely irresistible. The first time I made it, I was surprised by how quickly it came together, and how everyone went back for seconds.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of no bake desserts for my blog, and this one always stands out for its simplicity. You don’t need special ingredients like cream cheese or fancy techniques. Simply layer, chill, and serve. The soft cookies soak up the strawberry flavor while the creamy topping adds the perfect balance. It’s the kind of easy dessert that makes you look like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen (but you didn’t).
Before You Start
Before you start layering, take a quick look at what you’ll need. This dessert keeps things simple with just five ingredients that work perfectly together. Each one plays a role in creating those light, creamy layers that make this no bake strawberry dessert so good.
- Cool Whip (or whipped topping): Adds a light, creamy layer on top. You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute if you want something a bit richer, but Cool Whip keeps the texture super stable for make-ahead prep and matches the strawberries in the ultimate flavor combo.
- Ladyfingers: These give the dessert its soft, cake-like layers instead of a graham cracker crust. If you can’t find them, try using sponge cake slices or even vanilla wafers.
- Junket Danish Dessert (affiliate) (or found by the Jello): This classic mix thickens into a glossy strawberry filling. It’s what gives this dessert that bright flavor and pretty color. Strawberry gelatin can work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
- Cold water: Helps the dessert mix set properly. Make sure it’s cold to speed up the chilling process later and only use as much liquid as called for on the box.
- Fresh strawberries: Use ripe, juicy berries for the best flavor. Slice them evenly so every bite gets a little strawberry in it. I like to grab a few extra for a quick pretty garnish.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
The layers look impressive, but it’s one of those recipes that feels almost effortless. Especially when you’re short on time. The flavor is nostalgic and reminds me of those classic strawberry desserts my grandma used to make in the summer.
Tip from Jesseca:
Assemble this the night before serving. The ladyfingers soak up just the right amount of strawberry filling overnight, giving you that soft, cake-like texture without turning soggy. It also means you can pull it straight from the fridge when you’re ready to serve, no stress required.
Substitutions
- Ladyfingers: If you can’t find traditional ladyfingers, use slices of pound cake, angel food cake, or even vanilla wafers. Each gives a slightly different texture, but they all soak up that strawberry filling beautifully.
- Strawberry Junket Danish Dessert: This mix can be tricky to track down. You can swap in a strawberry gelatin mix by dissolving it with a little less water and letting it thicken slightly before folding in the berries. The flavor will be close, though a little sweeter.
- Cool Whip: Homemade whipped cream works great here if you prefer less sweetness. Just stabilize it with a bit of powdered sugar so it holds up during chilling.
- Berries: Try this with mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries for a Fourth of July twist, or use peaches in late summer for a fresh variation. A sprinkle of coconut would be delicious as well.
- Mini cups or trifle: Instead of a 9×13 pan, layer this dessert in clear cups or a trifle dish for an easy party presentation.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Make It
Yes! This recipe actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge. You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. Wait to add the final layer of Cool Whip and strawberries until right before serving for the freshest look.
If you can’t find it, a strawberry gelatin mix works well. Dissolve it in slightly less water than the package calls for so it thickens faster. The flavor will be a little sweeter but still delicious.
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can put leftovers in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Keep in mind the texture will soften.
This dessert keeps for about 3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. After that, the strawberries start to release more liquid and the layers lose structure.
Definitely. Use about 3 cups of whipped cream and stabilize it with a little powdered sugar or cornstarch so it holds its texture during chilling.
Storage & Make-Ahead
This dessert is a dream for make-ahead prep. In fact, giving it time to chill helps the flavors blend and the layers set perfectly. Assemble it a few hours, or even a full day, ahead of time for the best texture.
- Refrigerate: Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cookies soften, but the flavor stays amazing.
- Make ahead: Prep the layers and chill overnight, then add the final whipped topping and strawberries right before serving.
- Freeze (optional): Not ideal, but doable. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge. Expect a slightly softer texture.
Leftovers keep well and taste just as good the next day, if there are any left!
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No Bake Strawberry Dessert
Ingredients
- 6 oz ladyfingers (split)
- 1 packet strawberry Junket Danish Dessert
- 1¾ cup cold water
- 3 pints strawberries
- 1 (8oz) carton Cool Whip (thawed)
Instructions
- Arrange your ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. You may need to trim or break a few to make them fit snugly. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Strawberry Junket Danish Dessert mix and cold water until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. Once boiling, cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Slice your strawberries, reserving about a cup for the topping. Gently fold the rest into the slightly cooled strawberry mixture until evenly coated.
- Spoon the strawberry filling over the ladyfingers, spreading it out evenly. The mixture will start to thicken as it cools.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until the filling is fully set and the ladyfingers are soft.
- Spread the Cool Whip over the chilled filling, then top with the remaining sliced strawberries.
- Slice into squares and serve cold.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
I want to make this recipe today but not sure about the Junket, it calls for 1 packet and I have a box 4.75 oz no packets. Do I use 1
box? Help!
It’s one box. Apologies about that mix up, Rae.
Found a strawberry glaze that seems similar to the Junket mix you use but it comes in a 14oz container. How much should I use as I’m not sure how much a packet of Junket makes once you add the water. I just don’t want to add too much or too little.
Hi Erika, I’m sorry that I don’t have a clear answer for your question. I would maybe guess 1 3/4 cup? I’ve never made it with a substitute so I can’t be sure.
what can I use in place if the lady fingers? I c ant find them anywhere!!
Hi Elaine, unfortunately this one needs the lady fingers. Did you check the bakery at your local grocer? I know kroger (smiths) has them in the bakery and in the cookie section.
Try Amazon
Thanks for helping out, Lisa!
I’ve made this using hostess Twinkies cut in half. was good.
Supermarket Italy
Hey there, is there anything you can substitute for the junket? I’ve been to three grocery stores and no one has it and I have all the other ingredients ready to go and I’m super excited to make this.
Hi Kiersten! You can try this recipe that I found. It looks like it would be the same profile.
How long can you freeze it before it gets freezer burn flavor?
This recipe does not freeze well.
EASY
Hi! Is there a UK alternative to the junket?? I have never heard of this here…
Hi Nazmin, I reached out via a contact form on their website to ask. I’m not sure if it is sold in the UK, but I will keep you posted.
I did find a somewhat homemade version online where you combine 1 pkg Kool Aid (any flavor), 4 TBSP cornstarch, pinch of salt, ¾ cup sugar. I’m not sure how available kool aid is, or how comparable this homemade version is, but hopefully this will help.
Made this with koolaif and will never make it again unless I find Junket. I feel I distorted Plant City strawberries
Hi Joan, Kool Aid is not a substitute that would work in this recipe. You can find junket in most grocers next to the jell-o or in the baking aisle. Here’s a link to an online shop. https://amzn.to/3IgDNat
Wondering if I could use broken up pieces of sponge cake. I had a similar recipe using broken up pieces of sponge cake but have lost the recipe. Can anyone advise me. Thanks
That’s a great question, Mary. I’m not sure. I would think it could possibly work. Let us know if you try it!
I cannot wait to bring your 5 Mintue Strawberry Dessert camping as a dessert for family !! I think my husband and I will love it !!
Thank you
PS Thank you for the tip of where to find
Junket!
I hope you love it as much as we do!
Where do you buy junket, haven’t seen it in many years
Hi Sherry, I found Junket in the baking aisle at Walmart. It was hidden on the very top shelf with the Jello’s.
If you can’t find Junket, would regular jello suffice?
I haven’t tried it with jello. I found a forum where they suggested this substitute, but I have not tried it myself: 1 pkg Kool Aid (strawberry)
4 TBSP corn starch
pinch of salt
¾ cup sugar