Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake: Perfect Summer Dessert
A simple, no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and softened graham crackers. Perfect for hot summer days when you want a cool, refreshing treat without turning on the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 whole graham cracker sheets (about 2 full sleeves)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: extra sliced strawberries, mint leaves, powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash, dry, hull, and slice strawberries into 1/4-inch thick slices. Toss with lemon juice and set aside.
- Make the cream filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat until fluffy.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold together: Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula until fully combined and light.
- Start layering: Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of cream mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking to fit.
- Build the layers: Spread one-third of remaining cream mixture over graham crackers. Add a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat with graham crackers, cream, and strawberries for three layers total. End with a final layer of cream on top.
- Top with strawberries: Arrange reserved strawberry slices decoratively on top, pressing gently into cream.
- Chill: Cover tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring wrap touches the surface. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve cold. Garnish with mint leaves and powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
For best results, chill overnight. The cream cheese stabilizes the whipped cream and prevents sogginess. Use fresh strawberries for optimal texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers. For a vegan version, use coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, icebox cake, no-bake cake