This elegant no-bake strawberry and vanilla cream dessert combines a silky vanilla layer with a vibrant strawberry cream layer. The result is smooth, creamy, lightly sweet, and beautiful enough for a special occasion.
For the most reliable texture, the recipe below uses unflavored gelatin. If you prefer agar-agar, see the note under the ingredients because agar requires different preparation.
🍽️ Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chilling Time | 4–6 hours |
| Total Time | About 4½–6½ hours |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Method | No-bake |
🧾 Ingredients
🤍 Vanilla Layer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| 🥛 Whole milk | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| 🥛 Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| 🥫 Sweetened condensed milk | 7 oz (about ½ can) |
| 🤍 Vanilla powder | 1 tsp |
| 🥄 Unflavored gelatin | 1 tbsp |
| 💧 Cold water | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
🍓 Strawberry Layer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| 🍓 Fresh strawberries | 1 cup (150 g) |
| 🥛 Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| 🥫 Sweetened condensed milk | 7 oz (about ½ can) |
| 🥄 Unflavored gelatin | 1 tbsp |
| 💧 Cold water | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| 🌸 Pink food coloring | 1–2 drops, optional |
Optional Decoration
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
- White chocolate shavings
- Fresh mint leaves
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👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Vanilla Gelatin
Pour ¼ cup cold water into a small heatproof bowl.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin evenly over the water.
Let it stand for approximately 5 minutes until the gelatin absorbs the water and becomes soft.
Warm the gelatin gently in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or over a bowl of warm water, until completely dissolved.
Do not boil the gelatin.
Blend the Vanilla Mixture
Add the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla powder to a blender.
Blend for approximately 20–30 seconds, just until smooth.
With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour in the dissolved gelatin.
Blend for another 10–15 seconds.
Set the Vanilla Layer
Pour the vanilla mixture into a clean glass serving dish.
For a dessert resembling the image, use a shallow rectangular or square glass dish.
Refrigerate for approximately 1½–2 hours, or until the surface is firm enough to support the strawberry layer.
The layer should be set but still slightly soft rather than completely hardened.
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🍓 Prepare the Strawberry Layer
Wash and hull the strawberries.
Place them in the blender and blend until completely smooth.
If you want an especially silky dessert, strain the strawberry purée through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
Prepare the Second Gelatin Mixture
Place another ¼ cup cold water in a small bowl.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon gelatin over the water.
Allow it to bloom for approximately 5 minutes.
Warm gently for 10–15 seconds, stirring until completely dissolved.
Blend the Strawberry Cream
Add the strawberry purée, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk to the blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add the dissolved gelatin while blending on low speed.
Blend for another 10–15 seconds.
If you want a brighter pink color, add 1–2 drops of pink food coloring.
The food coloring is completely optional.
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🍓 Add the Strawberry Layer
Remove the chilled vanilla layer from the refrigerator.
Slowly pour the strawberry mixture over the back of a spoon onto the vanilla layer.
This gentle pouring technique helps prevent the strawberry mixture from creating holes or damaging the vanilla layer.
Spread the top gently if necessary.
Return the dessert to the refrigerator.
Chill for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight, until completely firm.
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✨ Decorate and Serve
Once completely set, decorate with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or white chocolate shavings.
For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped briefly in warm water and wiped dry between cuts.
Serve chilled.
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⭐ Best Tips
Use ripe strawberries: Sweet, flavorful strawberries produce a much better strawberry layer.
Don’t over-blend: Excessive blending can incorporate too much air and create bubbles.
Cool the gelatin slightly: It should be liquid but not extremely hot when incorporated into the cream mixture.
Wait for the first layer to set: The vanilla layer must be firm enough before adding the strawberry mixture.
Pour gently: Pouring over the back of a spoon creates a smoother, cleaner separation between the layers.
Chill overnight: For the cleanest slices and best texture, refrigerate overnight.
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🥄 If Using Agar-Agar
Agar-agar should not simply be bloomed and microwaved like gelatin.
For this recipe, use approximately 1½ teaspoons agar-agar powder per layer as a starting point, depending on the brand and desired firmness.
Mix the agar directly into the liquid and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously for approximately 1–2 minutes to activate it.
Because agar sets more firmly and quickly than gelatin, work efficiently when assembling each layer.
Always follow the instructions on your particular agar-agar package for the most reliable result.
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🔄 Recipe Variations
🍫 Chocolate & Strawberry
Add 1–2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the vanilla layer for a chocolate-strawberry combination.
🥭 Mango & Vanilla
Replace the strawberry purée with smooth mango purée.
🫐 Berry Cream
Use a mixture of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a colorful berry layer.
🍋 Lemon & Strawberry
Add 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest to the strawberry mixture for a brighter flavor.
🤍 Coconut & Strawberry
Replace part of the milk in the vanilla layer with coconut milk and top with the strawberry cream.
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🍓 Best Ingredient Options
For the vanilla layer, pure vanilla extract can replace vanilla powder. Use approximately 1–2 teaspoons, depending on how strong you want the vanilla flavor.
For the strawberry layer, fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, but unsweetened frozen strawberries can also work. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending.
Full-fat heavy cream gives the dessert its richest and smoothest texture.
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🧊 Make-Ahead Instructions
This dessert is ideal for making ahead.
Prepare it the day before serving and keep it refrigerated.
Cover the dish once the top layer has completely set to prevent the dessert from absorbing refrigerator odors.
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🧺 Storage
Keep the dessert refrigerated at all times.
It is best enjoyed within approximately 2–3 days.
Keep the container covered when storing.
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❄️ Can You Freeze It?
Freezing is not recommended.
The gelatin-based cream can become watery or slightly grainy after thawing, and the strawberries may lose their fresh texture.
For the best creamy consistency, keep it refrigerated instead.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding the second layer too soon: If the vanilla layer hasn’t set sufficiently, the two layers may mix.
Using hot gelatin: Very hot gelatin can affect the texture of the cream mixture.
Boiling gelatin: Gelatin should be dissolved gently rather than boiled.
Not activating agar: Agar requires boiling to properly gel.
Using watery strawberries: Excess liquid can weaken the strawberry layer.
Cutting before fully chilled: Give the dessert enough time to completely set.
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📊 Estimated Nutrition
Approximate per serving, assuming 8 servings:
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount |
| Calories | ~330 kcal |
| Protein | ~6 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~27 g |
| Fat | ~21 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~13 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sugar | ~24 g |
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the brands and exact quantities used.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes. You can blend the strawberries using a food processor or immersion blender and whisk the cream mixture by hand.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before making the purée.
Why did my layers mix together?
The bottom layer probably wasn’t sufficiently set, or the second mixture was poured too quickly. Make sure the first layer is firm before adding the strawberry layer and pour very gently.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. The sweetened condensed milk provides most of the sweetness, so you can reduce the amount slightly. Keep in mind that changing the liquid balance can affect the final texture.
Can I make individual portions?
Absolutely. Pour the vanilla mixture into individual glasses or small dessert cups, chill until set, then carefully add the strawberry layer.
How long does it need to chill?
Allow approximately 1½–2 hours for the first layer and another 3–4 hours for the finished dessert. Overnight chilling gives the best result.
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🍓 Final Thoughts
This Two-Layer Strawberry & Vanilla Cream Dessert is a beautiful no-bake treat that looks much more complicated than it actually is.
The silky vanilla cream provides a rich base, while the fresh strawberry layer adds fruity flavor, color, and a refreshing finish. Serve it well chilled with fresh strawberries on top for an elegant dessert that is perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a simple weekend treat. 🍓🤍✨