This fun and colorful Summer Berry Jello Lasagna is a treat for both the eyes and the tummy! Layers of jello, creamy filling, and fluffy whipped topping make it a perfect dessert for warm days.
You can’t help but smile when you see those bright berries. I love serving it during gatherings because it’s a hit with kids and adults alike—it’s like a party on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Cookies or Graham Crackers: Both work well for the crust, providing sweetness and crunch. You could also use digestive biscuits for a slightly different texture. I love the taste of graham crackers, but choose what you prefer!
Cream Cheese: This gives the dessert a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat. My personal favorite is sticking with cream cheese for that rich flavor!
Whipped Topping: Cool whip is super handy. If you’re in the mood for homemade, you can whip heavy cream with a little sugar until fluffy. Just make sure to use it fresh since it doesn’t hold up as long as store-bought whipped topping.
Blue Raspberry Jello: This adds color and flavor. Feel free to switch it with any other Jello flavor, such as cherry or lime for a fun twist. I like mixing and matching flavors based on what fruit I have on hand!
Berries: Strawberries and blueberries are great, but you can also mix in raspberries or blackberries depending on what’s in season. I find that fresh berries not only taste great but also look lovely in this dish.
How Do You Get the Jello to Set Just Right?
Getting the Jello to set perfectly is key to this dessert. Follow these tips to ensure a great texture:
- **Cool the Jello mixture**: After adding the cold water, let it cool before pouring it onto the dessert layers. This helps prevent melting the previous layers.
- **Set in the fridge**: After each layer, give the dessert time to chill—about 30 minutes for the first layer and 1-2 hours for the final set ensures everything stays together while slicing.
- **Dissolve thoroughly**: Make sure to stir the Jello until all powder has dissolved in the boiling water. This ensures a smooth mixture and prevents any gritty texture.
How to Make Summer Berry Jello Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 package (9 oz) of vanilla cookies or graham crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
For the Jello Layer:
- 2 packages (3 oz each) of blue raspberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water (for Jello)
- 1 cup cold water (for Jello)
For the Fruit Layer:
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (for topping)
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation and about 2 hours for chilling, making the total time about 2 hours and 20 minutes. This includes baking the crust, assembling the layers, and letting it all set in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, crush the vanilla cookies or graham crackers until fine. Add the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined. Next, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form a crust. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a separate bowl, take the softened cream cheese and add the powdered sugar. Beat them together using a mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until everything is well blended. Spread this creamy layer over your cooled crust, making sure it’s even.
3. Preparing the Jello Layer:
Now, let’s whip up the Jello! In a bowl, dissolve the contents of the blue raspberry Jello packets in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Then, add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and allow it to slightly cool.
4. Layering the Fruit and Jello:
Take half of the sliced strawberries and layer them on top of the cream cheese mixture. Then, pour half of the prepared Jello mixture over the strawberries. Pop this into the refrigerator and let it chill for about 30 minutes to set.
5. Final Layering and Garnishing:
Once the first layer has chilled, sprinkle the remaining sliced strawberries on top of the Jello. Pour the rest of the blue raspberry Jello mixture over everything. Return the dish to the fridge and let it set completely, which will take about 1 to 2 hours.
6. Finishing Touches:
When everything is nicely set, spread a cup of whipped topping over the top layer of Jello for a smooth finish. Then, get creative and garnish with some red, white, and blue sprinkles for a festive look!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your colorful Summer Berry Jello Lasagna, serve it cold, and enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends. Perfect for summer celebrations!
Can I Substitute the Cookies or Crackers?
Absolutely! If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free vanilla cookies or graham crackers. You could also use crushed digestive biscuits or even chocolate cookies for a twist on the flavor!
What If I Can’t Find Blue Raspberry Jello?
No problem! You can substitute blue raspberry Jello with another flavor, such as berry blue or even regular raspberry Jello. Just keep in mind that the color might change slightly, but it will still taste delicious!
Can I Prepare This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This Jello lasagna can be prepared one day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil once it’s set, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the whipped topping and sprinkles right before serving to keep them fresh!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. The textures may change slightly, but it will still taste great!
