If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at, this Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe might just steal the whole summer! Sweet chocolate crust, dreamy cheesecake layers, and bursts of fresh berries create those iconic red, white, and blue stripes, all finished with a billowy cloud of whipped topping and plenty of festive sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for something special to take to the big holiday picnic, this dish combines creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements in every single celebratory bite. Trust me, one taste and you’ll want to make this treat a new tradition!

Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create this dazzling Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe. Each one plays its own tasty role: from the crunchy chocolate cookies and fluffy whipped topping to the vibrant berries that bring the colors to life.

Chocolate sandwich cookies: These form the rich, chocolatey base and topping for a satisfying texture contrast.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together for that delicious, cohesive crust.
Cream cheese: Gives the white layer its luscious, tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with fruit.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without any unwanted graininess.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch adds wonderful aroma and warmth to the cheesecake filling.
Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): Folds airiness into the cheesecake and completes the dreamy topping.
Cherry or strawberry gelatin: Sets off the red layer with its bold color and fruity burst.
Boiling water & cold water: Work together to perfectly dissolve and set the gelatin.
Chopped strawberries or halved cherries: Fresh fruit for maximum flavor and juiciness in the red stripe.
Fresh blueberries (or thawed frozen): Star in the blue layer; sweet, tart, and patriotic!
Blueberry jam (optional): Swirl a little in for extra color and a flavor boost.
Red, white, and blue sprinkles or star-shaped confetti: The easiest way to finish this treat with festive flair.

How to Make Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Crush and Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Start by crushing those chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for speed, or channel a little stress relief by popping them in a zip-top bag and smashing them with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until you get a texture similar to damp sand. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish, then stash it in the fridge to get nice and cold while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Whip Up the White Cheesecake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth (no lumps allowed!). Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat again until everything is light and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping—this lightens the texture and helps the layer set wonderfully. Use half of this dreamy filling, spreading it evenly over your chilled crust, and pop the dish back in the fridge for another cool-down.

Step 3: Create the Red Gelatin Layer

Now it’s time for that eye-catching red! Dissolve the cherry or strawberry gelatin in the boiling water, stirring until all the crystals are gone. Add the cold water, and let it cool slightly (you want it a little thickened but not set). Stir in your chopped strawberries or cherries and carefully spoon the mixture on top of the cheesecake layer. Return the pan to the fridge for 30 to 40 minutes, letting the gelatin partially set—it should jiggle but not run when tilted.

Step 4: Add a Burst of Blueberries

When the gelatin has almost set but is still a bit wobbly, sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top. This is where the magic happens: if you have blueberry jam on hand, swirl in a few spoonfuls for deeper color and flavor intensity. The fruit and jam together create a stripe that’s both pretty and packed with berry goodness.

Step 5: Layer on More White and Top Crust

With the blue complete, gently spread the remaining cheesecake mixture over the berry layer, smoothing the surface as you go to create those distinct, gorgeous stripes. Now scatter and press the rest of your cookie crumb mixture on top, lightly patting it down so it forms a tender second crust.

Step 6: Finish with Whipped Topping and Decorate

The grand finale—spread your remaining whipped topping over everything in a thick, glorious swoosh. Now, let your creativity run wild: shower the dessert with red, white, and blue sprinkles or some fun star-shaped confetti. Chill the Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe for at least three hours (overnight is even better), then slice and serve cold for the ultimate refreshing treat!

How to Serve Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

This dessert just begs to be dressed up! A sprinkle of patriotic sprinkles or edible glitter turns each slice into a tiny fireworks show. Fresh berries on top add extra freshness and a pop of color, and a drizzle of chocolate or extra fruit sauce is perfect for those who like a little extra on every bite.

Side Dishes

Since the Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe is so festive and decadent, keep sides light and refreshing. Pair it with a chilled fruit salad, lemonade, or sparkling water with berry garnishes for a summery balance. It’s also wonderful after BBQ classics or picnic fare—think grilled chicken, corn on the cob, and crisp salads.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to dazzle your party guests? Try serving it in individual mason jars or clear cups for personal parfaits that show off the colorful layers. For fancier occasions, cut out shapes using a biscuit cutter or serve tiny squares on a dessert platter, sprinkled with extra berries and stars. No matter how you present it, this dessert is always the star of the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pieces of the Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, holding onto its creamy texture and bold flavors. Just make sure the dish is covered so it doesn’t pick up any fridge odors, and the whipped topping stays fluffy.

Freezing

If you want to make this dessert further in advance, you’re in luck! Assemble the Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe up to the whipped topping layer (leave off the sprinkles), cover tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the whipped topping and festive sprinkles before serving for that just-made appeal.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert—it’s meant to be enjoyed ice-cold, especially on a hot summer day! Simply remove it from the fridge (or let thaw from frozen), slice, and serve. If it’s been frozen, allow a few hours in the fridge for perfect texture before topping and slicing.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or a light whipped topping?

Absolutely! Using low-fat options for cream cheese and whipped topping will make the Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe a bit lighter, though the layers may be slightly softer. The flavor remains creamy and delicious.

Can I substitute the gelatin flavor?

Yes, you can use raspberry or even watermelon gelatin instead of cherry or strawberry to personalize the color and flavor of the red layer in your Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe. Any red-fruit gelatin will work beautifully.

What’s the best way to crush the sandwich cookies?

A food processor will give you fine, even crumbs, but a large zip-top bag and rolling pin get the job done with some arm work! Just crush until the cookies resemble coarse sand for the ideal texture.

Can I make this dessert a day ahead?

Making the Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe a day in advance is actually ideal—it allows all the layers to set firmly and the flavors to fully mingle. Simply keep it refrigerated until ready to decorate and serve.

What happens if my gelatin layer gets too firm before adding the blueberries?

If the red gelatin sets too much, simply use a fork to gently break the surface, then sprinkle on your blueberries and proceed. It may not look as perfectly layered, but it’ll still taste fantastic!

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that brings everyone to the table with big smiles, the Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe is the perfect pick for your next celebration. It’s joyful, colorful, and so irresistibly creamy and fruity, you’ll be making it long after the fireworks are over. I can’t wait for you to share it with people you love!

Patriotic Lasagna Dessert Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Patriotic Lasagna Dessert is a delightful and visually stunning treat perfect for celebrating patriotic occasions. Layers of creamy cheesecake, fruity gelatin, fresh blueberries, and chocolate sandwich cookie crust come together to create a red, white, and blue masterpiece that is sure to impress your guests.

Instructions

MAKE THE CRUST: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and smashing with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
MAKE THE WHITE CHEESECAKE LAYER: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy and fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain. Spread half of this mixture evenly over the chilled crust and return to the refrigerator to chill while preparing the gelatin.
PREPARE THE RED GELATIN LAYER: In a separate bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then mix in ½ cup cold water. Let the mixture cool slightly (do not let it set), then fold in the chopped strawberries or cherries. Carefully spoon or pour the gelatin mixture over the white cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the gelatin is nearly set but not fully firm.
ADD THE BLUEBERRIES: Once the gelatin layer is partially set, evenly sprinkle the blueberries over the top. If using blueberry jam, swirl it gently into the gelatin to enhance the color and flavor.
ADD SECOND WHITE LAYER AND TOP CRUST: Gently spread the remaining cheesecake mixture over the blueberries, smoothing the surface. Top with the remaining chocolate cookie crumb mixture, lightly pressing it into place to form a second crust layer.
FINISH WITH WHIPPED TOPPING: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top layer. Decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles or star-shaped confetti for a festive finish. Chill the dessert for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Feel free to customize the fruit layers with your favorite berries or fruits for a different flavor profile.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Layering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Patriotic, Lasagna Dessert, Cheesecake, Gelatin, Blueberries