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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake: Perfect Summer Dessert

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This easy no-bake strawberry icebox cake layers graham crackers with a creamy filling and fresh strawberries, then chills overnight to create a dessert that tastes like cake without turning on the oven. Perfect for summer entertaining, it comes together in just 20 minutes of active prep time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 pounds (about 900 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • About 2 full sleeves (24-30) graham crackers

Instructions

  1. Prep the strawberries: Wash and dry strawberries thoroughly. Remove green hulls and slice about ¼-inch thick. Place in a medium bowl and toss with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let sit while preparing cream filling.
  2. Make the cream filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat until well combined and no lumps remain. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  3. In a separate clean, dry bowl, pour in cold heavy cream. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip.
  4. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture, starting with about a third, then adding the rest. Use a light hand to keep as much air as possible. Final texture should be light, fluffy, and spreadable.
  5. Layer the cake: Spread a thin layer of cream mixture (about ½ cup) on the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking pieces as needed to fill gaps.
  6. Spread about one-third of remaining cream mixture over graham crackers. Layer about one-third of sliced strawberries on top. Repeat layers: graham crackers, cream, strawberries, for 3 to 4 complete layers. End with a final layer of graham crackers, then spread remaining cream mixture on top. Reserve a handful of prettiest strawberry slices for decorating.
  7. Chill and set: Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto surface of cream. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.
  8. Garnish and serve: Right before serving, arrange reserved strawberry slices on top in a decorative pattern. Slice and serve cold. A sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts gives cleanest slices.

Notes

Don’t skip macerating the strawberries—it draws out juices that help soften graham crackers and concentrates flavor. Make sure cream cheese is truly softened to avoid lumps. Pat strawberries dry after washing to prevent watery filling. Let cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for best flavor. For a quicker chill, place in freezer for 2-3 hours instead of fridge for 6-8. Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake strawberry icebox cake, easy summer dessert, no-bake dessert, strawberry dessert, icebox cake, graham cracker dessert, summer entertaining

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-icebox-cake-perfect-summer-dessert/