Berry dessert lasagna is a stunning no-bake creation that layers crispy graham crackers with fluffy cream cheese filling, fresh berries, and sweet whipped cream to create something that looks like it came from a fancy bakery. This dessert gets its name from the lasagna-like layers that stack up to create beautiful horizontal stripes of color and flavor. The best part is there’s absolutely no cooking involved, making it perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven, or anytime you need an impressive dessert without the stress. The combination of creamy, crunchy, fruity, and sweet elements creates a perfect balance in every bite. Whether you’re serving this at a potluck, holiday gathering, birthday party, or casual weekend dinner, people will be asking for the recipe. It feeds a crowd easily and can be customized with whatever berries are in season or look best at the market.
Serving Quantity: Serves 12 to 15 people
Cooking Time: 30 minutes prep time, plus 4 hours chilling time (no baking required)
1. Ingredients
- One box graham crackers (14.4 ounces, about 3 sleeves)
- Two packages cream cheese, softened (8 ounces each)
- One cup powdered sugar
- Two teaspoons vanilla extract
- Two containers frozen whipped topping, thawed (8 ounces each)
- One package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
- One and one-half cups cold milk
- Three cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Two cups fresh blueberries
- One cup fresh raspberries
- One cup fresh blackberries
- Three tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jam
- Two tablespoons lemon juice
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish, extra berries for topping
2. Prepare Your Dish
Choose a 9 by 13 inch glass baking dish for the best presentation, as you’ll be able to see all the beautiful layers through the sides. Make sure your dish is completely clean and dry. You don’t need to grease it since this is a no-bake dessert. Having a clear dish really showcases the gorgeous layers, but an opaque dish works fine too if that’s what you have available.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Take your softened cream cheese and place it in a large mixing bowl. Make sure it’s truly soft, not cold and hard, or it will be lumpy. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy with no lumps. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating for another 2 minutes until everything is completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable. Gently fold in one container of the thawed whipped topping using a rubber spatula. Fold carefully to keep the mixture light and airy. Set this bowl aside.
4. Prepare the Pudding Layer
In another large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens to a soft-set consistency. It should look smooth and creamy, similar to yogurt. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to firm up completely. Once it’s set, gently fold in the remaining container of thawed whipped topping. Use a rubber spatula and fold carefully to maintain the light, fluffy texture. The pudding layer should be pale and airy.
5. Prepare the Berry Mixture
Rinse all your fresh berries under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Wet berries will make your dessert watery and soggy. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin slices. Leave the blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries whole. In a medium bowl, combine all the berries. Add the strawberry or raspberry jam and lemon juice. Gently toss everything together with a spoon until the berries are lightly coated. The jam acts as a glaze that makes the berries shiny and helps them stick together, while the lemon juice brightens their natural flavors.
6. Create the First Graham Cracker Layer
Arrange a single layer of whole graham crackers on the bottom of your baking dish. Break crackers as needed to fill in any gaps, creating a complete solid layer that covers the entire bottom. The crackers don’t need to fit perfectly, and small gaps are okay. This bottom layer provides a sturdy base and that wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy layers. You’ll use about one-third of the box for this layer.
7. Add the Cream Cheese Layer
Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the entire surface, reaching all the way to the edges. Try to make this layer as smooth and level as possible. The cream cheese layer should completely cover the graham crackers. This rich, tangy layer balances the sweetness of the other components and adds wonderful creaminess.
8. Add Half the Berry Layer
Spoon about half of your berry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread the berries evenly, making sure you get a good distribution of all the different berry types across the entire surface. Try to arrange them so every serving will have a nice variety of berries. The colorful berries create the most visually striking layer and add fresh, fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
9. Create the Second Graham Cracker Layer
Place another complete layer of graham crackers over the berries, just like you did for the first layer. Again, break crackers to fill gaps and create full coverage. This middle cracker layer adds structure and another crunchy element. Gently press the crackers down very slightly so they nestle into the berry layer below, but don’t press hard or you’ll squish the berries.
10. Add the Pudding Layer
Spread the entire pudding and whipped topping mixture over the second graham cracker layer. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly and evenly, making sure it reaches all the edges and corners. This layer should be thick and fluffy. The pudding layer adds extra creaminess and a slightly different flavor from the cream cheese layer, creating more complexity.
11. Add Final Layers
Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the pudding layer, smoothing it evenly across the top. This creates another creamy layer and provides a nice base for the final berry topping. Arrange the remaining berries on top in an attractive pattern. You can create rows of different berries, make a random scattered pattern, or arrange them in a decorative design. Make it as simple or fancy as you like. The top should be completely covered with colorful berries for the most impressive presentation.
12. Chill and Set
Cover the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, being careful not to let the plastic touch the berry topping. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This chilling time is crucial because it allows the graham crackers to soften slightly from absorbing moisture from the creamy layers, creating that signature lasagna-like texture. The layers also set and firm up, making the dessert much easier to slice cleanly. The flavors meld together beautifully during this time.
13. Slice and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares. Wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth between each cut for the neatest slices. Use a spatula to lift each square out of the dish and transfer to individual dessert plates. Garnish each serving with a fresh mint leaf if desired. The layers should be visible on the sides of each slice, showing off all your hard work. Serve cold directly from the refrigerator.
14. Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 340
- Total fat: 16 grams
- Saturated fat: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
- Sodium: 280 milligrams
- Total carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Dietary fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 32 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
15. Helpful Tips for Perfect Berry Dessert Lasagna
- Make sure cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature or it will be impossible to mix smoothly.
- Use fresh berries rather than frozen, as frozen berries release too much water and make the dessert soggy.
- Pat berries completely dry after washing to prevent excess moisture from making the layers watery.
- Let the dessert chill for the full 4 hours minimum so the graham crackers soften and the layers set properly.
- Make this dessert a day ahead for the best texture and to save time on the day you’re serving it.
- Use a glass dish to show off the beautiful layers, but any 9 by 13 inch dish works fine.
- Customize with your favorite berries or use whatever is in season for the best flavor and value.
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the graham crackers for a chocolate-berry variation.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s best within the first 2 days.
- Cut with a hot, wet knife for the cleanest slices, wiping and rewetting between each cut.
