Name: No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 16 oz whipped topping (divided); 1 1/2 cups blueberry preserves or pie filling; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

I can’t think of a more refreshing and delightful dessert for hot days than this No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna. It’s the kind of treat that looks fancy, tastes like a dream, and requires no oven time—which makes it absolutely perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or when you just want something cool and indulgent without breaking a sweat.

This dessert layers a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy whipped cheesecake layer, a vibrant blueberry filling, and fluffy whipped topping, all crowned with a pile of fresh strawberries and blueberries. It’s colorful, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously easy to make ahead. Every spoonful is a medley of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy that keeps you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

Zero baking required: Beat the heat and skip the oven.
Stunning presentation: With those red, white, and blue layers, it’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Fresh berry flavor: Juicy strawberries and blueberries take the spotlight.
Great for parties: Make it the night before and serve it chilled.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Light, fruity, and perfect for everyone.

What Kind of Berries Should I Use?

I always go for fresh strawberries and blueberries for this recipe, especially during peak summer months. The strawberries add sweetness and a bit of tang, while blueberries bring that jammy, rich depth. If fresh isn’t an option, frozen berries (thawed and drained) can work too—but nothing beats the texture and brightness of fresh ones.

Options for Substitutions

Crust: Swap graham crackers with crushed golden Oreos or vanilla wafers for a twist.
Cream Layer: Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a richer, slightly sweeter base.
Fruit Filling: Try raspberries or blackberries in place of one of the berries, or use a mix of whatever’s in season.
Topping: Want a lower-sugar option? Use a light whipped topping or Greek yogurt whipped cream.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour as a crust base.

Ingredients for this No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base and give that perfect buttery crunch to support the creamy layers.
Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the crumbs to bind the crust and give it richness.
Cream cheese: Softened to make the fluffy cheesecake-like layer; it’s creamy and tangy.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without the graininess; blends smoothly into the cream cheese.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the creamy filling.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Adds volume, lightness, and that signature cloud-like texture.
Fresh blueberries: Used in the middle layer and topping, they bring a juicy, jammy brightness.
Blueberry preserves or pie filling: This gets spread in the middle for bold berry flavor and a gorgeous color pop.
Fresh strawberries: Sliced and layered on top for color, sweetness, and a juicy bite.
Lemon juice (optional): A little brightness to balance the sweetness if your berries are very ripe.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish to form an even crust. Chill in the fridge while preparing the other layers.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until fully combined. Fold in half of the whipped topping until fluffy and light. Spread this evenly over the chilled crust.

Step 3: Add the Blueberry Layer

Spread a generous layer of blueberry preserves (or pie filling) over the cream cheese mixture. If you like, gently fold in some fresh blueberries for extra texture and fruitiness.

Step 4: Add Whipped Topping

Spread the remaining whipped topping smoothly over the blueberry layer. Make sure to cover edge to edge for clean, beautiful layers.

Step 5: Decorate with Fresh Berries

Top with a mix of halved strawberries and whole blueberries. Arrange them evenly for a pretty, patriotic finish. Drizzle with a little extra preserve if desired.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the lasagna for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the layers set and makes slicing much easier.

How Long to Prepare the No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

Preparation for this dessert is wonderfully simple and can be broken down into manageable sections. The total hands-on time is about 25 minutes, but since it’s a no-bake treat, chilling is essential.

Hands-on Prep Time: 25–30 minutes to build the layers, prepare the crust, and arrange the toppings. This includes the mixing and spreading of each layer.

Chilling Time: At least 4 hours is ideal to let the lasagna set firmly. Overnight is even better for perfect slicing and flavor fusion.

Tips for Perfect No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
Chill the crust before adding the layers—it helps keep it firm.
Fold, don’t whip, the whipped topping into the cream cheese layer to keep it light and fluffy.
Fresh fruit matters—use ripe, vibrant berries for the best taste and color.
Slice with a clean, sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for neat, beautiful pieces.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping chill time: It might seem ready, but without chilling, the layers won’t hold their shape.
Using cold cream cheese: This will give you a lumpy texture.
Overloading the berry topping: Too many berries can cause the top layer to slide.
Spreading uneven layers: Take time to spread evenly for a professional look.
Undermixing crust ingredients: Make sure the graham crackers are fully coated with butter so the crust binds well.

What to Serve With No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna?

1. Lemon Iced Tea

A cool glass of tart lemon iced tea balances the sweetness perfectly.

2. Grilled Chicken Skewers

Serve this dessert after a savory main like chicken skewers—it’s light and contrasts beautifully.

3. Fresh Mint Garnish

Add a sprig of mint on each plate for a pop of green and refreshing aroma.

4. Sparkling Water with Berries

Serve sparkling water with floating blueberries and strawberries for a cohesive look and taste.

5. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Instructions

In the Fridge: Store the lasagna covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Use plastic wrap or an airtight lid to prevent the berries and whipped topping from drying out.

In the Freezer: You can freeze the berry lasagna without the fresh berry topping. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, then add fresh berries on top.

Make-Ahead Tip: This dessert is perfect for prepping the night before. Just hold off on adding the final berry topping until just before serving to keep it fresh.

Estimated Nutrition

Calories per serving: ~320
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 190mg
Carbohydrates: 37g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g

(These are approximate values and can vary based on exact brands and portion sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the layers soggy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely—use a plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped topping.

Can I make individual servings?

Yes! Use small clear cups or jars for layered individual berry lasagnas. Great for parties!

How far in advance can I make this?

You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the fresh berry topping until shortly before serving.

Can I add gelatin to make it firmer?

You could add a small amount of unflavored gelatin to the cream layer if you want it extra firm, but it’s not necessary if chilled well.

Conclusion

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna is the kind of dessert that brings joy to any table. It’s easy, beautiful, and bursting with the bright flavors of summer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a refreshing sweet, this recipe delivers every single time. With its creamy texture, vibrant berry layers, and simple prep, it’s a summertime must-have!