I love a good layered dessert, and this Mixed Berry Lush is one I will keep coming back to. It has a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, pudding, fresh berries, and whipped topping all layered together in one easy dessert.
If you love my Lemon Lush and Butterfinger Lush, this is another one to try! It has the same cool, creamy layers, but with fresh fruit adding a bright pop of flavor. I like making it for summer gatherings because it can be made ahead and kept in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Graham Cracker Crust: This simple crust is made with graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. It adds a buttery crunch that balances the creamy layers. You can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs or crush whole graham crackers yourself.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates the cheesecake layer. Make sure it is at room temperature so it mixes smoothly.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Also called powdered sugar, confectioners’ sugar sweetens the cheesecake layer and blends easily into the cream cheese.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
- Whipped Topping: Whipped topping keeps the cheesecake layer light and fluffy. You can use homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Instant Cheesecake or Vanilla Pudding Mix: Use instant pudding mix (not cook-and-serve) for the right texture and structure. The pudding layer adds a creamy texture and helps the layers hold together. I used vanilla pudding mix, but cheesecake pudding mix would be delicious as well!
- Fresh Fruit: I love using a mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi for a colorful topping, but you can use your favorite combination of fresh fruit. Slice larger fruit into bite-sized pieces so it’s easier to scoop and serve.
Tips for the Best Mixed Berry Lush
- Use softened cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer without lumps.
- Use instant pudding mix: Make sure you are using instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. The instant pudding is what helps the layer thicken and hold its shape.
- Give it enough chill time: Don’t rush the chilling step. Letting the dessert sit for at least 4 hours helps the layers set and makes it much easier to slice.
- Cut larger fruit into bite-sized pieces: Slice strawberries and kiwi into smaller pieces so they are easier to scoop and serve. This also helps distribute the fruit more evenly over the dessert.
- Make it the day before: This is one of those desserts that is great for making ahead. The layers have time to set, and it’s one less thing to prepare when you are serving it.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of fruit?
Absolutely! I love the combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi, but you can mix and match your favorite fresh fruit. Blackberries would also be delicious. Just cut larger fruit into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to scoop and serve.
Can I use a different crust?
Yes! A graham cracker crust is classic for this dessert, but you can switch it up. A vanilla wafer crust, shortbread cookie crust, or even a Golden Oreo crust would all be delicious.
Can I make Mixed Berry Lush ahead of time?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead dessert. I actually like making it the day before because the layers have time to chill and set. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Why is my pudding layer runny?
Make sure you are using instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve, and that you use cold milk. Let the pudding thicken for a few minutes before spreading it over the cheesecake layer. Chilling the dessert for at least 4 hours will also help the layers set.
How to Store Mixed Berry Lush
Because of the cream cheese, pudding, whipped topping, and fresh berries, Mixed Berry Lush should be stored in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator: Cover the dessert tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.
Freezer: You can freeze Mixed Berry Lush, but the texture of the whipped topping and fresh berries may change once thawed. For best results, freeze without the fresh berry topping, then add the berries after thawing. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Mixed Berry Lush
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 ½ cups (about 20 full sheets) graham cracker crumbs, plus more for garnish (optional)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
Pudding Layer
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk, cold
Fruit Layer & Topping
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
- 4 to 5 cups fresh fruit, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, sliced if large
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then let cool completely. (For a no-bake crust option, chill the crust for 15 minutes instead.)
Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
Pudding Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pudding mixes and cold milk for 2 to 3 minutes, until thickened. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then spread it over the cheesecake layer.
Fruit Layer & Topping
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the layers are fully set.
- Right before serving, arrange the mixed fruit over the whipped topping. Add crushed graham crackers for garnish, if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
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