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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake Recipe Perfect for Summer Desserts

Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake strawberry icebox cake featuring creamy layers of whipped cream and cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and buttery graham crackers. Perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large sheets graham crackers
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy (3–5 minutes).
  2. In a separate chilled bowl, beat 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form (4–6 minutes).
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest if using.
  4. Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×9 inch pan.
  5. Lay down a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them to fit if needed.
  6. Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam (if using) over the crackers, then add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries.
  7. Top with another layer of the cream mixture.
  8. Repeat layering graham crackers, jam, strawberries, and cream until ingredients are used or pan is full. Finish with a generous layer of cream mixture on top.
  9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberries or crushed graham crackers. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

Use cold cream and chilled bowls for best whipping results. Be gentle when folding whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to keep it airy. Chill overnight for best texture. Dip knife in hot water before slicing for clean cuts. Variations include using coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese for vegan version, gluten-free graham crackers, or swapping strawberries with other berries or fruits.

Nutrition

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