Description

Christmas Lush is a festive layered dessert featuring a buttery nut crust, tangy lime gelatin cream cheese layer, creamy second cream cheese layer, and a fresh strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, this indulgent treat combines bright flavors and creamy textures in an easy-to-make no-bake dessert with a baked crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped finely
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

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Instructions

Prepare 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 all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, and softened unsalted butter. Mix well until the dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Make First Layer: In a large bowl, add the lime gelatin powder and pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Place the gelatin mixture in the refrigerator and chill until it is partially set, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly beat the cooled gelatin into the cream cheese until well combined and smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently. Optionally, add green food coloring to enhance the color. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate until set, about 40 minutes.
Prepare Second Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently until combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the first lime gelatin layer. Return the dessert to the refrigerator and chill until set, about 40 minutes.
Make Top Layer: Combine the strawberry gelatin powders in a large bowl and add 2 cups of boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Stir in the sliced fresh strawberries. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and chill until it is partially set, about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure it thickens but remains spoonable. Gently spoon the strawberry gelatin mixture over the second cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the assembled dessert until firm, about 3 hours.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the Christmas Lush with additional whipped topping, sprinkles, or candy as desired. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

Allow each layer to fully set or partially set as directed to ensure clean, defined layers.
Use softened cream cheese for a smooth texture and easier mixing.
Fresh strawberries add brightness but can be substituted with frozen berries that are thawed and drained.
Adding green food coloring to the first layer intensifies the lime flavor's visual appeal but can be omitted if preferred.
Press crust firmly into pan to prevent crumbling when serving.
Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor development and firmness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg