This Circus Animal Cookie Lush is a colorful delight! With layers of cream, cookies, and a fun sprinkle topping, it’s a treat that tastes as good as it looks.
Every bite feels like a fun carnival experience! I could eat this all day, but it’s perfect for sharing with friends and making sweet memories together. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Wafers/Sugar Cookies: These are the base of the dessert. They provide a crunchy texture. If you prefer, you can use graham crackers or even digestive biscuits as an alternative for the crust.
Strawberry Gelatin: This gives the dessert its fruity flavor. If you want a different fruit flavor, you can substitute with raspberry or peach gelatin. Just keep in mind the color and taste may change slightly.
Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a twist.
Frozen Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip for convenience. However, you can whip your own heavy cream as a great homemade alternative to save on added preservatives!
Circus Animal Cookies: These are the star of the show! If you can’t find them, feel free to use any frosted cookies or even colored chocolate candies for a similar fun effect.
How Do I Make Sure My Gelatin Sets Perfectly?
The key to getting your strawberry gelatin to set just right is to chill it, but not for too long. Here’s how to nail it:
- Dissolve the gelatin in boiling water, making sure to stir well.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator and check it after 30-45 minutes.
- Look for a thick, syrupy consistency — it should be thick but not solid.
- Once thickened, gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Avoid overmixing, as you want it to stay fluffy!
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a lovely creamy and fruity layer that fits perfectly in your Circus Animal Cookie Lush!
How to Make Circus Animal Cookie Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 package (about 9-10 oz) vanilla wafer cookies or sugar cookies, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tub (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
- 1-2 cups mini marshmallows
For Topping:
- 1-2 cups Circus Animal Cookies (frosted and colorful), roughly chopped or whole
- Assorted sprinkles (nonpareils, pearls, etc.) for decorating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Circus Animal Cookie Lush takes about 20 minutes of preparation time. You’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. So, plan on about 4-6 hours total for assembly and chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafer or sugar cookies with melted butter until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until set. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely.
2. Making the Strawberry Layer:
In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then place it in the refrigerator. Keep an eye on it; after about 45 minutes to 1 hour, it should thicken to a syrupy consistency but not fully set. While it chills, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture!
3. Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Once well combined, gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping until you have a fluffy mixture. Then, add in the mini marshmallows and gently fold them in as well, being careful not to deflate the cream mixture.
4. Combining Everything:
After your gelatin mixture has thickened, carefully fold it into the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture. This step is crucial for the layered effect. Once combined, spread this strawberry cream cheese gelatin mixture evenly over your cooled cookie crust.
5. Adding the Final Touches:
Now it’s time for the topping! Spread the remaining whipped topping over the strawberry cream cheese layer to create a fluffy, beautiful finish. Decorate generously with Circus Animal Cookies and a fun sprinkle of assorted sprinkles.
6. Chilling and Serving:
Cover your luscious dessert and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. Once it’s set, slice into squares, serve chilled, and enjoy the fluffy, creamy, fruity delight that’s sure to bring smiles all around!
This colorful Circus Animal Cookie Lush is not just eye candy; it’s a deliciously layered dessert that’ll take you back to the joyful days of the circus! 🎠
Can I Use Different Flavors of Gelatin?
Absolutely! While strawberry is a fan favorite, you can swap it out for other flavors like raspberry, peach, or even blue raspberry for a fun twist. Just keep in mind the flavor and color will change a bit!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free vanilla wafers or sugar cookies for the crust. Always check labels to ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free, especially the gelatin.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness and texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Whipped Topping?
If you prefer a homemade version, you can beat heavy cream until soft peaks form and then sweeten it with a little powdered sugar. This will work great as a substitute for whipped topping!
