Description
Want a dessert that’s as colorful as a 4th of July fireworks show and perfect for hot summer days? This Summer Berry Jello Lasagna is your go-to treat! With a crunchy Golden Oreo crust, creamy blueberry cheesecake, vibrant strawberry Jello, and fluffy whipped cream topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles, it’s a no-bake, refreshing dessert that screams patriotism.
Ingredients
A Summer Berry Jello Lasagna needs simple ingredients for a 9×13-inch dish (serves 12-16). Here’s what you’ll need:
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Golden Oreo Crust:
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36 Golden Oreo cookies
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 tbsp red sprinkles (optional)
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2 tbsp white sprinkles (optional)
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2 tbsp blue sprinkles (optional)
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Why it matters: Golden Oreos create a sweet, crunchy base; butter binds it; sprinkles add patriotic flair.
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Substitutions: Use graham crackers or vanilla wafers (about 3 cups crumbs). Swap butter for coconut oil (dairy-free). Omit sprinkles or use star-shaped ones.
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Blueberry Cheesecake Layer:
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6 oz sweetened berry blue gelatin
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⅔ cup boiling water
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½ cup Greek yogurt, cold
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1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ¾ cups whipped cream (Cool Whip or homemade)
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Why it matters: Blue gelatin and blueberries create a vibrant, tangy layer; cream cheese and whipped cream add richness.
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Substitutions: Use plain gelatin with blue food coloring if berry blue is unavailable. Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream. Use low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese. Replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream (whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp sugar).
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Strawberry Jello Layer:
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6 oz strawberry Jello
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1 ¼ cups boiling water + ¾ cup iced water
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4 cups sliced strawberries
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Why it matters: Strawberry Jello and fresh berries add a sweet, red layer for the patriotic theme.
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Substitutions: Use raspberry or cherry Jello. Swap strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries. Use sugar-free Jello for a lighter option.
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Topping:
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2 cups whipped cream (Cool Whip or homemade)
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Red, white, and blue sprinkles or star confetti
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Why it matters: Whipped cream creates a white “flag” layer; sprinkles add festive sparkle.
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Substitutions: Make homemade whipped cream (whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream with ¼ cup sugar). Use fresh berries or edible glitter for topping.
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Tip: Use fresh, ripe berries for vibrant flavor. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes for smooth mixing. Choose high-quality Golden Oreos for a sturdy crust.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Oreo Crust
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In a food processor, grind 36 Golden Oreo cookies (with filling) into fine crumbs.
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Add 2 tbsp each of red, white, and blue sprinkles (if using) and stir with a fork.
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Pour in ½ cup melted unsalted butter and stir until evenly moistened.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish using a spatula or the bottom of a glass.
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Place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm while preparing the next layer.
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Tip: Pulse cookies finely for a smooth crust. Press evenly to avoid gaps. Freeze to set quickly.
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Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Cheesecake Layer
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In a heat-proof bowl, dissolve 6 oz berry blue gelatin in ⅔ cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth (about 2 minutes).
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Fold in 1 ¾ cups whipped cream (Cool Whip or homemade) until combined.
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In a food processor, pulse ½ cup cold Greek yogurt and 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries until blended.
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Whisk the blueberry-yogurt mixture into the cooled Jello, then fold into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
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Spread evenly over the chilled crust and refrigerate or freeze for 30-60 minutes to set.
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Tip: Cool Jello to room temperature to avoid melting whipped cream. Spread gently to keep the crust intact.
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Step 3: Add the Strawberry Jello Layer
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In a heat-proof bowl, dissolve 6 oz strawberry Jello in 1 ¼ cups boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved (about 2 minutes).
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Add ¾ cup iced water and stir well. Let cool to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes).
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Arrange 4 cups sliced strawberries evenly over the set blueberry cheesecake layer.
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Pour the cooled strawberry Jello over the strawberries, ensuring even coverage.
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Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, until firmly set.
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Tip: Slice strawberries thinly for even layers. Pour Jello slowly to avoid disturbing berries. Chill fully for clean slices.
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Step 4: Top and Decorate
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Spread 2 cups whipped cream (Cool Whip or homemade) evenly over the set Jello layer.
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Sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles or star confetti generously over the top.
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Slice into squares and serve chilled.
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Tip: Use a spatula for a smooth whipped cream layer. Add sprinkles just before serving to keep them vibrant. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat slices.
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