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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake Recipe with Creamy Layers to Impress

no bake strawberry icebox cake - featured image

A simple, no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, fresh strawberries, and a creamy blend of cream cheese and whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings and last-minute treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 package graham crackers (about 9 ounces or 250 grams), broken into pieces or whole sheets
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until combined well.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, using slow folding motions to keep it light and fluffy.
  4. Spread a thin layer of the creamy mixture on the bottom of a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
  5. Arrange a layer of graham crackers on top, breaking them if needed to fit.
  6. Spoon a layer of sliced strawberries over the crackers, then spread another layer of the creamy mixture.
  7. Repeat layering until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream on top.
  8. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften and absorb moisture.
  9. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Pat strawberries dry before layering to avoid soggy crackers. Use fresh, firm strawberries for best texture. For a crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds between layers. If cream cheese is not softened, microwave for 10 seconds to soften. Overwhipping cream can cause grainy texture. For faster chilling, freeze for 1 hour before refrigerating. Can substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or vanilla wafers. For vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, strawberry, icebox cake, easy dessert, summer dessert, creamy layers, graham crackers, whipped cream, cream cheese