Strawberry Lasagna!!!

As I have said before, my husband loves strawberries and any recipe I make with strawberries!!!  So this time of year, when strawberries are coming in season and so good, I try to come up with some new recipes using them!   

This "Strawberry Lasagna" is a no bake layered dessert I decided to make and it was a big hit!!!  This has a graham cracker crust, a cheesecake layer, sliced strawberries, a rich pudding layer,  and  topped with whipped cream, more strawberries and nuts!!!   You know that has to be good!!! 

When we can all get together again and have cookouts and family gatherings, I can see this being perfect for a Memorial Day cookout or maybe a 4th of July party!!!

I even thought this was yummy and I know it's odd, but I don't really like strawberries all that much normally!!!   I know, strange, right!   If I do eat them, they have to be in something really sweet and creamy, like this!!!   I think I will make this again and use blueberries in place of strawberries which would also be excellent!!!

Here is what you will need:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
1  (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup whipped topping
2 lbs. strawberries, divided
2  (3.4 oz) boxes of instant cheesecake pudding mix  (could substitute vanilla)
1  (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups milk
16 oz. container of whipped topping, thawed
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Combine the melted butter and the crushed graham cracker crumbs.  Pack this mixture in the bottom of a  9"x 13" baking dish! If you spray the dish lightly with nonstick spray, this will be easier to cut out when it's ready to serve!   Place in the refrigerator to chill while you start mixing the other ingredients! 

Place the cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.  Mix 1/2 cup of whipped topping in until smooth.  Drop this mixture by large spoonsful onto the graham cracker crust and then spread to make a smooth layer.  

Cap and slice the strawberries, except for 6 of the nicest berries.  Leave 6 berries for the garnish on top!  Place the sliced berries evenly over the cream cheese layer.

In  a large mixing bowl combine the pudding mixes, 2 cups cold milk and the can of sweetened condensed milk.  Beat with an electric mixer until it  starts to thicken up.  This usually thicken's up fine without chilling it, but if it's not getting thick, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes.  

Just don't let it get too thick to spread.  I usually just let it sit thicken on the counter and spread it from there.  Spread it evenly over the strawberry layer! 

Spread the rest of the whipped topping evenly over the top!  

Slice the six strawberries you set aside vertically in half.  Place a half on each serving.  I find that three across and 4 down is just right!  Then each serving has a strawberry on top!!!  Sprinkle the top evenly with the chopped nuts. 

 If you or your guests don't eat nuts, just skip them.  As an alternative, you can crush an extra 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs and sprinkle them over the top for garnish.  I just like nuts myself so this is how I do it!  

This is best if you chill it for at least 2-3 hours and even better if you chill it overnight!  This is one of those desserts that actually improves the next day! 

Slice in squares and serve!!!  

My husband definitely gave this one the two thumbs up!!!