Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake – No-Bake, Refreshing, and Elegant
Layers of graham crackers, luscious cream cheese filling, and fresh, juicy strawberries come together in this no-bake dessert to create a sweet treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a light and creamy dessert without turning on the oven, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is sure to impress both family and friends. Each chilled slice delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fresh fruit flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This no-bake dessert is simple to make yet elegant enough for any occasion. With its creamy texture, fresh strawberries, and graham cracker layers that soften to a cake-like consistency in the fridge, it’s an effortless way to impress your guests. Perfect for summer parties, holiday gatherings, or a quick dessert fix, it’s light, fluffy, and completely crowd-pleasing.
Perfect for:
- Summer parties and picnics
- Potlucks or family gatherings
- Quick desserts for warm days
- Fans of creamy, fruity, and no-bake treats
Ingredients
For the Layers:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 (14.4-ounce) box graham crackers
For the Topping:
- Extra sliced strawberries
- Whipped cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining thoroughly but carefully to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
2. Assemble the Icebox Cake
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom to help the graham crackers stay in place. Place a layer of graham crackers over the cream cheese mixture, breaking them as needed to fit the dish. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers, followed by an even layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until the dish is full or the ingredients are used, ending with the cream cheese layer on top.
3. Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the graham crackers to soften and meld with the creamy filling.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
Before serving, garnish the top with extra sliced strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
- Use fresh strawberries for natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Let it chill overnight for a softer, cake-like texture.
- Experiment with flavors—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or a mix for variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing summer treat.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or family dinners as a show-stopping dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can work if drained well.
Q: Can I make this in a different pan size?
A: Yes, adjust the layers accordingly. A smaller pan will create taller layers, while a larger pan will have thinner layers.
Q: How long will this cake stay fresh?
A: Stored covered in the refrigerator, it will last up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use flavored graham crackers?
A: Absolutely! Honey or cinnamon graham crackers add a fun twist to the dessert.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy and wheat.
Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Check labels on all packaged ingredients to ensure safety.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate, serves 12)
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a celebration of freshness and creaminess in every bite. Its simple preparation and elegant layers make it a dessert you’ll return to again and again, perfect for any occasion that calls for something sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible.