This No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna is pure sunshine in a pan—layers of fresh, juicy berries mingling with billowy mascarpone cream and softened graham crackers, all without ever touching your oven. It’s a show-stopper for potlucks, cookouts, or any evening you want dessert that feels extra special with minimal effort. Each bite bursts with berry flavor and creamy sweetness, making it the ultimate make-ahead summer treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna serves an important role: from the plump berries (hello, vibrant color and natural tartness) to the rich mascarpone and the crunch of graham crackers, each ingredient helps create those dreamy, layered textures and flavors you crave in a summer dessert.

Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, hulled and sliced): The ripe, sliced strawberries add bright flavor and a lovely red hue to your layers.
Fresh Blueberries (2 cups): These sweet little berries offer bursts of juicy freshness and beautiful color contrast.
Fresh Raspberries (2 cups): Their tartness balances sweetness while adding a gorgeous jewel tone.
Mascarpone Cheese (2 cups): This luscious cheese makes your filling pillowy and rich (think cheesecake vibes, with less effort!).
Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): When whipped, it creates a light, luxurious texture in the mascarpone filling.
Powdered Sugar (½ cup): The fine sugar easily dissolves, sweetening the filling without any grittiness.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings warm, comforting depth to the cream mixture.
Graham Crackers or Ladyfingers (12-15 pieces): These make the “lasagna” part, layering up and softening into tender, cake-like layers.
Lemon Zest (Zest of 1 lemon, optional): Adds a pop of citrusy brightness that wakes up the whole dessert.

How to Make No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

Step 1: Prep Your Berries

Begin by giving all those berries a gentle wash and patting them completely dry—no soggy layers here! Slice your strawberries nice and thin, so they tuck seamlessly into your dessert. Be sure to set aside a pretty handful of mixed berries for that swoon-worthy final garnish.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream

In a mixing bowl, pour in your heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip (using a mixer or a strong arm!) until stiff peaks form. This means your cream will hold its shape and add billowy lightness to the No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna filling.

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Mixture

In a separate bowl, blend together your mascarpone cheese and lemon zest, if you’re using it for an extra pop. Gently fold in the fresh whipped cream, using a spatula and light strokes. This keeps your filling oh-so-airy and luxurious—never dense or heavy.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread a generous layer of your mascarpone mixture at the bottom of your favorite glass dish (so you can admire those pretty layers!). Top with a single layer of graham crackers or ladyfingers, breaking them to fit as needed, then scatter on half your berries. Repeat: cream, crackers, berries—again and again—ending with the mascarpone mixture on top, ready to cradle your garnish.

Step 5: Top and Chill

Crown your lasagna with the reserved berries you saved and maybe a little extra lemon zest for good measure. Cover and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This time lets the flavors meld and the crackers soften into tender layers, making this No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna utterly irresistible.

How to Serve No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

Garnishes

Finish your lasagna by scattering that reserved handful of berries over the top for pops of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of lemon zest or even a dusting of powdered sugar adds a subtle elegance. A sprig of mint can also bring an unexpected, refreshing aroma and a lovely visual touch.

Side Dishes

Since No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna is so vibrant and colorful, serve it alongside light options: a platter of sliced peaches or melon, or perhaps some delicate lemon shortbread cookies. For a refreshing sip, an iced herbal tea or sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully, balancing out the creamy richness of your dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try building individual servings in clear parfait glasses or mason jars for a fun, portable option—perfect for parties! Or, use a trifle bowl to really wow your guests with those gorgeous layers on display. You can even repurpose those tiny leftover bits into mini “lasagna fingers” for bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, though the berries will soften slightly, so it’s best enjoyed within that timeframe for the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing

While this dessert is at its best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Slice into portions and wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—just be aware the berries may lose some texture after freezing.

Reheating

No reheating needed for this chilled delight! If you’ve frozen it, simply let the slices thaw naturally in the refrigerator. Serve it cold, right out of the fridge, for that creamy, refreshing bite every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

While fresh berries give the best flavor and texture (especially for presentation), you can use frozen berries in a pinch. Just let them thaw and drain very well to prevent extra liquid from making your layers soggy.

What’s the best dish size for layering?

An 8×8 or 9×9 inch glass dish shows off the layers and fits the amount perfectly, but any medium-sized casserole or trifle bowl will work. Adjust the number of layers depending on your dish’s depth.

Can I swap mascarpone for cream cheese?

Absolutely! Cream cheese will add a slightly tangier flavor and firmer texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest filling.

How far ahead can I make No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna?

You can prepare No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. The extra chill time lets the flavors soak in and the crackers fully soften for that cake-like bite.

Is this recipe gluten free?

The classic version uses graham crackers or ladyfingers, which contain gluten. For a gluten-free twist, simply use your favorite gluten-free cookies or crackers for layering!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a vibrant, easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that screams summer, you truly can’t go wrong with No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna. It’s simple enough for beginners, gorgeous enough for special occasions, and always vanishes in a flash at the table. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it all season long!

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather. Layers of fresh berries, creamy mascarpone filling, and graham crackers make this a beautiful and easy-to-assemble treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Berries

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups fresh raspberries

Mascarpone Filling

2 cups mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Additional

12–15 graham crackers or ladyfingers

Instructions

Prepare Berries: Wash and dry the berries. Slice strawberries thinly and set aside a handful of mixed berries for garnish.
Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Make Filling: In another bowl, mix mascarpone cheese and lemon zest (if using), then gently fold in the whipped cream to form a smooth, airy filling.
Assemble: Spread a layer of mascarpone mixture at the bottom of a serving dish. Add a layer of graham crackers or ladyfingers, followed by a layer of berries. Repeat until the dish is full, ending with mascarpone mixture on top.
Chill and Serve: Top with reserved berries and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

You can customize the berries used based on personal preference or seasonal availability.
For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest in the filling.
This dessert can be made a day in advance for easy entertaining.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: Italian