Strawberry Cheesecake Dream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this dessert stand out for me is its creamy texture and balance of flavors. The tangy cream cheese and sour cream blend beautifully with the smooth pudding mix, while the whipped topping adds lightness. The crushed crackers provide a nice buttery crunch, and the strawberries give a refreshing fruity sweetness. Plus, layering it in a trifle bowl makes for a stunning presentation with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Herе’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
½ cup cold milk
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 carton (12 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1½ cups crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 38 crackers)
¼ cup butter, melted
2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling

Directions

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream and blend well.

In a separate bowl, mix the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix on low speed for 2 minutes.

Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture along with the thawed whipped topping.

Combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter.

In a 2½-quart trifle bowl, layer half the cream cheese mixture, then half the cracker mixture, followed by half the strawberry pie filling.

Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Chill the dessert until ready to serve.

Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, fruity delight.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 8 to 10 people. Preparation takes around 15-20 minutes, plus chilling time.

Variations

I sometimes add a layer of fresh sliced strawberries for extra freshness and texture. For a nutty twist, sprinkling chopped toasted almonds between layers adds a lovely crunch. You can swap the strawberry pie filling with other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry for different flavors. Using gluten-free crackers can make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Storage/Reheating

Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it’s a no-bake chilled dessert, it’s best served cold and doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, fresh strawberries can be used, but the pie filling adds sweetness and a gel-like texture that holds the layers together nicely.

Can I prepare this dessert a day ahead?

Absolutely! Making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly.

What kind of crackers work best?

Butter-flavored crackers are ideal for the buttery crust, but graham crackers or digestive biscuits also work well.

Can I substitute the whipped topping with whipped cream?

Yes, homemade whipped cream or store-bought whipped cream can be used, though whipped topping holds up better in layered desserts.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Not with regular crackers, but you can use gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

I find Strawberry Cheesecake Dream to be a wonderfully easy and delicious dessert that always impresses without requiring baking. The creamy layers, buttery crunch, and sweet strawberries make it a refreshing and indulgent treat for any occasion. It’s a recipe I love to bring out when I want something special but simple.