Description
Christmas Lush is a festive layered dessert featuring a buttery nut crust, a tangy lime gelatin layer combined with cream cheese and whipped topping, a smooth cream cheese and sugar middle layer, and a vibrant strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this no-bake treat is chilled to set and garnished with whipped topping and sprinkles for a delightful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped finely
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
First Layer
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 small box (3 oz) lime gelatin
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
- Green food coloring (optional)
Second Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
Top Layer
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 small boxes (3 oz each) strawberry gelatin
- 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Additional Toppings
- Additional whipped topping
- Sprinkles or candy
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, chopped nuts, and softened butter. Mix well until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Make First Layer: In a large bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup boiling water by stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Chill in the refrigerator until partially set, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the cooled gelatin mixture until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping. If desired, add green food coloring for a brighter layer. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate until set, about 40 minutes.
- Prepare Second Layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently to combine. Spread this layer evenly over the set lime gelatin layer. Return the dessert to the refrigerator and chill for about 40 minutes until set.
- Make Top Layer: In a large bowl, dissolve the two boxes of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in the sliced strawberries. Refrigerate this mixture, stirring every 10 minutes, until partially set and thick but still spoonable (about 30 minutes). Carefully spoon this strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for 3 to 4 hours or until firm and fully set. Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping and sprinkles or candies as desired. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Be sure to let each layer set properly before adding the next to prevent mixing.
- If you prefer a more vibrant lime color, add a few drops of green food coloring to the first layer.
- For a nut-free option, omit the nuts in the crust and substitute with extra flour and butter.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the top layer.
- Chill time is important; plan ahead to allow the dessert to set completely for clean layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
