Summer Berry Jello Lasagna

About Summer Berry Jello Lasagna

The flavor of Summer Berry Jello Lasagna revolves around the bright, fruity notes of summertime berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, layered within a creamy base and held together by luscious Jello. The texture is an exciting contrast of silky creaminess from the cheese mixture and the jiggly charm of the Jello, providing an incredibly unique sensory experience. This recipe is often featured at summer birthdays, picnics, barbecues, and even holiday potlucks, offering a nostalgic twist on classic dessert lasagna while avoiding the heavy sweetness of traditional cakes.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for Summer Berry Jello Lasagna

Complete Ingredients List

• For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

• For the Cream Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

• For the Jello Layer:

  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 packages (3 oz each) fruit-flavored Jello (strawberry, raspberry, or any berry flavor)
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Gluten Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust or substitute with a mixture of almond flour and melted butter.
• Dairy Free: Replace cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and use coconut whipped cream instead of the whipped topping.
• Flavor Variations: While berry flavors are traditional, you can experiment with tropical Jello flavors like pineapple or lemon, adding in complementary fruits such as mango or kiwi for a unique twist.

How to Make Summer Berry Jello Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, combine the crushed graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until all crumbs are wet. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the cream layer.

Step 2: Make the Cream Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until well combined. Fold in the whipped topping gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious cream layer over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the dish back in the refrigerator to chill.

Step 3: Prepare the Jello

In a separate bowl, dissolve the Jello mix in the boiling water, stirring well until fully dissolved. Pour in the cold water and mix. Allow the Jello mixture to cool slightly before layering. Once cooled (but not set), carefully pour it over the cream layer in the final dish.

Step 4: Add the Berries

Evenly distribute the mixed fresh berries over the top of the Jello layer. Gently press them into the mixture for good adherence. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the Jello is fully set and firm to touch. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Summer Berry Jello Lasagna

How to Serve Summer Berry Jello Lasagna

Summer Berry Jello Lasagna is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator! To cut and serve, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to create clean slices. This dessert is visually stunning, so consider serving it straight from the baking dish to showcase the colorful layers.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

Enhance the Summer Berry Jello Lasagna experience by serving it with additional whipped topping on the side or a dusting of powdered sugar. A refreshing mint leaf on top can elevate its visual appeal. For added flavor, consider drizzling a fruit coulis or a warm berry sauce over individual servings.

Storing & Preserving Summer Berry Jello Lasagna

Best Storage Methods

Store any leftover Summer Berry Jello Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The key is to keep the dessert well-covered to prevent the Jello from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

This dessert is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may be compromised upon thawing. However, if necessary, it can be frozen for up to one month, but the Jello layer may separate slightly when thawed.

Tips for Perfect Summer Berry Jello Lasagna Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Incorrect Mixing: Ensure the Jello is fully dissolved in boiling water before adding the cold water. This is crucial for proper setting.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Allowing each layer to chill before adding the next is essential for maintaining the beautiful layered effect.
• Forgetting to Stack Properly: When pouring Jello over the cream layer, do so gently to avoid disturbing it.

Helpful Tricks for Success

Consider using a counter-depth spatula when smoothing out the cream layer for even results. Additionally, for easier slicing, try running the knife along the edges of the pan before cutting the individual squares.

Fun Variations of Summer Berry Jello Lasagna

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Get creative with add-ins such as toasted coconut, slivers of almonds, or even mini chocolate chips to introduce a different dimension to the dessert. Switch up the flavor by using lime or lemon Jello and adding ingredients like kiwi or pineapple.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

For a vegan version, swap out the cream cheese and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream combined with coconut whipped cream. Replace traditional Jello with a vegan gelatin alternative using agar-agar and natural fruit purees.

FAQs

What If My Summer Berry Jello Lasagna Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If the Jello doesn’t set properly, it may be due to incorrect ratios of water to gelatin. Make sure to measure accurately and allow ample time for cooling. If it ends up too runny, it can be transformed into a parfait by layering it with additional whipped topping and graham cracker crumbs for a different dessert experience.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! Summer Berry Jello Lasagna can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just make sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

Feel free to swap out the type of berries based on the season or your preference. Different fruit flavors in the Jello mix can also change the taste profile significantly, allowing you to customize this dessert to fit any occasion or palate.

Print