Description
Christmas Lush is a festive, layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, a tangy lime gelatin cream cheese layer, a creamy second layer, and a fresh strawberry gelatin topping. This no-bake refrigerated treat combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it perfect for holiday celebrations and large gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 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 for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, chopped nuts, and softened butter until well mixed. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool completely.
- Make the first layer: In a large bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Refrigerate until partially set, approximately 1 hour. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the cooled gelatin mixture, beating until combined and smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently. Add green food coloring if desired to enhance the color. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate for 40 minutes or until set.
- Prepare the second layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping thoroughly. Spread this mixture evenly over the set lime layer. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for 40 minutes to allow it to set well.
- Prepare the top layer: In a large bowl, dissolve both boxes of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Add the sliced strawberries and stir well. Refrigerate the mixture until partially set, about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure it thickens enough to spoon but is not too firm. Carefully spoon the strawberry gelatin mixture over the second cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the entire dessert for 3 hours or until firm.
- Garnish and serve: Once firm, garnish the top with additional whipped topping and sprinkles or candy as desired. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin layers are cooled and partially set before spreading to prevent mixing of layers.
- You can substitute the nuts in the crust with your preferred type or omit them for a nut-free version.
- For a more vibrant lime layer, add a few drops of green food coloring.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the top layer.
- This dessert requires advanced planning due to multiple chilling times; prepare it ahead for best results.
- Store covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
