When summer rolls in and the markets burst with fresh, juicy berries, there’s nothing I crave more than a chilled, vibrant No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna. This dreamy dessert layers impossibly creamy mascarpone, fluffy whipped cream, and all those dazzling berries on mellow pillows of graham crackers—it’s as easy to assemble as it is impressive to serve. Bright, cool, and a total showstopper at picnics or backyard dinners, this sweet no-bake lasagna is your answer to every “what’s a simple but stunning summer dessert?” dilemma!

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna is in its fresh, straightforward ingredients—each one shines through for flavor, color, or lusciousness. Make sure you use berries at their peak and real mascarpone for the silkiest, most indulgent results!

Fresh strawberries: These add juicy sweetness, pretty color, and eye-catching slices to every layer.
Fresh blueberries: Their deep flavor brings a subtle tartness and a gorgeous pop of blue.
Fresh raspberries: Their lively tart flavor elevates each bite and pairs perfectly with rich mascarpone.
Mascarpone cheese: Luxuriously creamy, it creates that irresistible Italian dessert feel—don’t swap for regular cream cheese!
Heavy whipping cream: Gives the filling lift and dreamy, cloud-like texture; make sure it’s very cold before whipping.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves instantly for gentle sweetness without any grit.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm aroma and rounds out all the dairy and berry flavors beautifully.
Graham crackers or ladyfingers: They soak up just enough moisture to soften perfectly and give the “lasagna” its delicious structure.
Lemon zest (optional): A sprinkle brightens up every bite and brings out all the berry flavors.

How to Make No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Berries

First, give your berries a gentle wash and thorough dry—they need to be clean and not dripping, or your layers will get soggy. Hull the strawberries and slice them thinly (the thinner, the easier to layer and eat). Set aside a generous handful of the most beautiful mixed berries for your show-stopping garnish.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Pour your cold heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whip with a mixer until stiff peaks form. This should take just a few minutes, and the cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters. Light, sweet, and flecked with vanilla, this is the backbone of the dreamy filling!

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Filling

In a separate large bowl, place the mascarpone cheese and add the lemon zest if you’re using it. Gently fold in the whipped cream you just made, using a spatula and taking care not to deflate the airiness. You want a smooth, fluffy, and slightly tangy filling—it should look luscious and feel airy when you spread it.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

To assemble your No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna, start with a layer of mascarpone mixture at the bottom of your chosen serving dish. Add a single layer of graham crackers or ladyfingers—break to fit as needed—then follow with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Repeat these layers: mascarpone mix, crackers, berries. Keep going until your dish is nearly full, ending with a generous swath of mascarpone filling smoothed over the top.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Scatter your reserved berries over the top for a knockout finish—the more vibrant, the better! Chill the whole dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This resting time helps the crackers soak up flavors and become soft, cake-like, and sliceable.

How to Serve No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra lemon zest, delicate mint leaves, or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar will make your No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna truly shine. The glistening berries on top capture the sunlight and draw eyes before the first delicious forkful!

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs perfectly with a pitcher of sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a chilled glass of rosé for grownups. For a fuller spread, offer some crisp butter cookies or simple vanilla ice cream alongside—the lasagna will be the star, but your taste buds will love the contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna in individual parfait glasses for a playful twist, or use a trifle bowl to show off those gorgeous layers! If you’re hosting a party, mini mason jars work beautifully for picnic-friendly, personal servings that travel well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the leftover lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days; the crackers or ladyfingers will continue to soften, creating an even more luscious, cake-like texture.

Freezing

You can freeze No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna if you’d like to prepare well in advance. Wrap the dish securely to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator—while the texture of the berries might change ever so slightly, the flavor remains irresistible!

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is needed! Simply remove a portion from the fridge a few minutes before serving for the chill to soften, and enjoy its fresh-from-the-fridge coolness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna?

Absolutely, although the texture will be softer and some juice may seep into the layers. Thaw the berries and pat them dry before layering to avoid excess moisture soaking your crackers too quickly.

What size dish works best for this dessert?

A standard 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square dish is perfect for a thick, showy lasagna, but a rectangular 7×11-inch or even a deep trifle bowl also works. Adjust the layering as needed—just make sure each layer is spread evenly.

Can I make No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna the day before?

Yes, and honestly, it’s even better that way! Overnight refrigeration lets the flavors meld and the layers settle, resulting in a perfectly sliceable, irresistibly tender dessert the next day.

Which is better: graham crackers or ladyfingers?

It comes down to personal preference! Graham crackers add a honey-sweet nuttiness, while ladyfingers offer a more delicate, cake-like bite. Try both versions and see which one earns the most fans in your kitchen!

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can experiment with dairy-free whipped toppings and vegan cream cheese alternatives. Coconut whipped cream with a splash of lemon can mimic mascarpone’s richness, and the abundance of berries will keep things light and fresh!

Final Thoughts

Give this No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna a spot on your summer table—it’s easy enough for a weeknight treat, yet stunning enough to wow your friends at a celebration. Whether you’re a berry fanatic or just hunting for a way to beat the heat with something sweet, this recipe will charm absolutely everyone. Let those fresh flavors shine, and don’t forget to sneak an extra berry when you slice into your masterpiece!

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna is a delightful, refreshing dessert that showcases the best of summer berries layered with creamy mascarpone filling and light graham crackers.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Strawberries:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Fresh Blueberries:

2 cups fresh blueberries

Fresh Raspberries:

2 cups fresh raspberries

Mascarpone Filling:

2 cups mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly:

12–15 graham crackers or ladyfingers
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

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 Mascarpone 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.
Layer: 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: 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 preference and availability.
For a citrusy twist, add a touch of lemon zest to the mascarpone filling.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Summer, Berry, Lasagna, No-Bake, Mascarpone, Dessert