Description
Christmas Lush is a festive layered dessert featuring a buttery nut crust, creamy lime and strawberry gelatin layers, and fresh strawberries, topped with whipped topping and festive decorations. This colorful and refreshing treat is perfect for holiday gatherings and serves a crowd with its 24 generous servings.
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 the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, chopped nuts, and softened butter until mixed well. Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish. Bake for 18 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove and 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. Place in the refrigerator until partially set, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese until smooth in another bowl. Slowly add the cooled lime gelatin to the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently. Add green food coloring if desired for a vibrant layer. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 40 minutes.
- Prepare the second layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Fold in whipped topping carefully. Spread this mixture evenly over the set lime layer. Refrigerate again until this layer is firm, about 40 minutes.
- Make the top layer: Dissolve the two boxes of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in sliced fresh strawberries. Chill in the refrigerator until the gelatin starts to thicken but is still spoonable, about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent settling. Carefully spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill and garnish: Refrigerate the entire dessert until firm, about 3 hours, up to 4 hours. Before serving, optionally garnish with additional whipped topping, sprinkles, or candy decorations. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Make sure to let each gelatin layer set in the refrigerator to prevent mixing of the layers.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and whipped topping with plant-based alternatives.
- You can use either pecans or walnuts finely chopped for the crust depending on availability or preference.
- For a more vibrant green layer, add green food coloring gradually until desired color is reached.
- Ensure the strawberry gelatin layer is partially set and spoonable before adding on top to maintain distinct layers.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be prepared the day before.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
