Description
A layered dessert with a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, strawberry gelatin, vanilla pudding, and whipped topping. Great for potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ? cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Gently fold in thawed whipped topping. Spread evenly over the chilled crust. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Strawberry Layer: In a medium bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir in strawberry pie filling. Let cool slightly (15-20 minutes). Carefully pour over the chilled cheesecake layer. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Make the Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully thicken. Spread evenly over the set strawberry layer. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Finish with Whipped Topping and Garnish: Spread the remaining thawed whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries and graham cracker crumbs, if desired.
- Chill Before Serving: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving (ideally longer, even overnight). Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Cool the strawberry gelatin mixture slightly before pouring it over the cheesecake layer to prevent melting.
- Chilling each layer properly is crucial for preventing the layers from mixing together.
- For best results, chill the finished dessert for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes