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Strawberry Delight is that dreamy layered dessert that always gets recipe requests at potlucks. Creamy no bake filling sits on a buttery pecan crust and the whole thing is loaded up with sweet fresh strawberries. It is the kind of crowd pleaser you can make ahead which makes holidays and gatherings much more relaxed for the host.
I first made Strawberry Delight for my mom’s birthday and even the people who claim not to love dessert went back for seconds. Now it is a family tradition for birthdays and Easter brunch.
Ingredients
- Salted butter: gives richness to the crust look for deep yellow color for best flavor
- All purpose flour: forms the foundation for the base choose fresh unbleached flour for texture
- Pecans: add crunch and a sweet toasty note use fresh nuts for best results
- Strawberries: are the star go for berries that are deep red and fragrant for max sweetness
- Corn starch: thickens the strawberry layer pick a fine powder for smooth results
- Cane sugar: balances the tart berries use organic if possible for warm flavor
- Cream cheese: brings creamy tang to the filling let it come to room temp for easy mixing
- Dream Whip: creates a fluffy light texture in the creamy layer check the date so it whips well
- Whole milk: binds and lightens the Dream Whip buy whole for best richness
- Pure vanilla extract: boosts the sweet flavor make sure it’s not imitation
- Powdered sugar: sweetens the filling sift before adding so the filling stays smooth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pecan Crust:
- Mix melted butter and flour in a bowl until the dough comes together then add pecans and work them in so each bite has crunch. Press the dough evenly into a 9 by 13 baking dish using your hands or a spatula. Bake at 350 F until golden around the edges about 20 minutes. Cool completely before layering.
- Make the Strawberry Topping:
- Blend 1 to 2 cups of strawberries into a smooth purée and measure one cup. Set the rest of the berries aside sliced for later. In a small bowl combine corn starch and water whisking until completely smooth. Pour the purée corn starch mixture and sugar into a large sauce pan and whisk to combine. Heat over low to medium bringing the mixture to a boil then simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickening and turning deep red. Set aside to cool fully.
- Whip up the Dream Whip Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese first on its own until smooth. In a separate bowl whip Dream Whip with milk and vanilla until it starts forming soft peaks about 4 minutes. Add the cream cheese and powdered sugar and whip again until the mixture is creamy and holds shape. Spread this filling evenly on top of the cooled pecan crust.
- Layer and Chill:
- Once the strawberry sauce is fully cool mix with the remaining sliced strawberries until well coated. Spread this topping over the cream cheese layer all the way to the edges. Cover the dish and chill in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
- Serve:
- Slice and plate with an extra dollop of whipped cream if desired. The layers hold together best when cold.
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My favorite part is always the first bite with just enough buttery pecan crust crumb and a thick forkful of strawberries on top. The first time I brought this on a Fourth of July we ate it on the porch and everyone was so happy with the cool creamy layers that nobody even asked about the fireworks.
Storage Tips
Keep the Strawberry Delight tightly covered in the fridge so the berry topping stays fresh and the crust does not go soft. If making ahead for a party you can prep the crust and fillings the night before and assemble the day of for best results.
Ingredient Substitutions
No pecans or want nut free Just use a graham cracker crust or even vanilla wafer cookies crushed and mixed with melted butter. If you cannot find Dream Whip regular whipped topping or homemade whipped cream holds up nicely. For strawberries out of season frozen berries will work as long as you slice and drain them well before using.
Serving Suggestions
Cut Strawberry Delight into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat layers. It pairs beautifully with fresh lemonade or coffee and is a lovely dessert for brunches picnics and barbecue cookouts. For extra color add a sprig of mint or a drizzling of strawberry purée right before serving.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Layered no bake desserts like Strawberry Delight have been showing up at American church socials and potlucks since the mid century. They rose in popularity because they were impressive to serve did not need fancy baking skills and used convenience ingredients like whipped topping and cream cheese. Every family seems to have their own recipe so passing down the exact combination of creamy filling and chilled fruit is a bit of a tradition.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should Strawberry Delight chill before serving?
Allow at least 4 hours for proper chilling so the layers can set and flavors meld together.
- → Can I make Strawberry Delight ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for best texture and freshness.
- → Are there alternatives to the pecan crust?
For a no-bake option, try graham cracker, Pecan Sandies, or vanilla wafer crusts instead of baking the pecan base.
- → Can frozen strawberries be used?
Frozen berries work, but fresh give the brightest flavor. Thaw and drain frozen strawberries to avoid excess moisture in the topping.
- → What equipment do I need to make this dessert?
You’ll need a 9x13 baking dish, mixer, large saucepan, and a rubber spatula for assembling the layers.
- → How long does Strawberry Delight keep?
When stored covered in the refrigerator, it remains fresh for 3-4 days.