No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jell-O Slice
A refreshing layered dessert featuring a creamy no-bake cheesecake base topped with vibrant strawberry Jell-O and whipped cream. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, cream cheese, softened into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and cool completely.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
- Step 4: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, dissolve 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water and stir to combine. Allow to cool to room temperature but do not let it set.
- Step 6: Pour the cooled but still liquid strawberry gelatin evenly over the cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
- Step 7: Before serving, garnish the top with 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries and additional whipped cream if desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jell-O Slice take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jell-O Slice?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jell-O Slice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jell-O Slice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jell-O Slice?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
