No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert

🍓 No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert (Full Detailed Recipe)

This is an easy, creamy, layered dessert—perfect when you don’t want to turn on the oven. It tastes like classic strawberry shortcake but in chilled dessert form.

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⏱ Time & Yield

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Chill time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)

• Serves: 10–12

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🧾 Ingredients

Base Layer

• 1 package (14–16 oz) golden sandwich cookies (Golden Oreos or vanilla wafers)

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups cold whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)

Strawberry Layer

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  OR

• 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling

Top Layer

• 2–3 cups whipped topping

• Extra strawberries, sliced (optional, for garnish)

• Crushed cookies (optional)

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🥣 Equipment Needed

• Food processor or zip-top bag + rolling pin

• Mixing bowls

• 9×13-inch dish (or similar size)

• Spatula

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust

1. Place cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
   If you don’t have a processor, seal cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

2. Pour crumbs into a bowl and add melted butter.

3. Mix until all crumbs are evenly coated.

4. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form an even layer.

5. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

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Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

3. Beat again until fully combined and creamy.

4. Gently fold in whipped topping using a spatula (do not overmix—keep it light).

5. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust.

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Step 3: Add the Strawberry Layer

Option A – Fresh Strawberries

1. Slice strawberries thinly.

2. Arrange them evenly over the cream cheese layer.

3. For extra sweetness, you may lightly toss strawberries with 1–2 tablespoons sugar.

Option B – Pie Filling

1. Spoon strawberry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.

2. Spread gently so layers stay clean.

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Step 4: Finish with Whipped Topping

1. Spread whipped topping evenly over the strawberry layer.

2. Smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Garnish with sliced strawberries and/or crushed cookies if desired.

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Step 5: Chill

1. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.

2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

   • This allows layers to set and flavors to blend.

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🍽 Serving Tips

• Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean layers.

• Serve cold.

• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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✨ Variations

• Lemon twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the cream cheese layer.

• Chocolate version: Use chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.

• Individual cups: Layer ingredients in clear dessert cups for parties.