If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sweet, creamy, and downright irresistible, look no further than this Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake! It’s one of those easy, no-bake desserts that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a hot summer day, a family get-together, or just when you need something sweet without turning on the oven. The layers of luscious cream cheese filling, whipped cream, and fresh, juicy strawberries come together to make a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Imagine this: a cool, creamy slice that practically melts in your mouth, with the tanginess of cream cheese perfectly balanced by the sweet strawberries. Plus, the graham cracker crust and layers of fluffy filling create a texture that’s just dreamy. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
- No-Bake: It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” dessert. No oven, no fuss—just layer and chill!
- Perfect for Summer: Light, refreshing, and full of fresh strawberries, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser during warmer months.
- Creamy Dream: The combo of cream cheese and whipped cream is so smooth and velvety—it’s the stuff dessert dreams are made of!
- Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have this beauty ready in no time.
- Make-Ahead: The icebox cake actually gets better the longer it sits, making it a great make-ahead treat for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake comes together with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
For the Filling:
- Cream Cheese: The base of the creamy filling, with a rich, tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the filling light and fluffy, adding the perfect texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the filling just right—no granules here, just smooth sweetness!
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely, aromatic flavor to the filling that enhances all the other ingredients.
- Fresh Strawberries: These juicy berries are the star of the show! They add that fresh, sweet flavor that’s so refreshing.
For the Base:
- Graham Crackers: The crunchy, buttery base that holds everything together. You can use graham cracker crumbs or crush your own crackers.
- Butter: To bind the graham crackers together and create that perfect crunchy crust.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the process of making this dreamy dessert. It’s easy, I promise!
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin, or you can use a food processor. Once crushed, combine the crumbs with melted butter and stir until everything is well mixed. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Layer the Cake
Spread a layer of the cream cheese filling over the graham cracker crust. Top with a layer of fresh strawberries, then repeat the layers (graham crackers, cream cheese filling, strawberries) until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a generous layer of whipped cream mixture on top.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer it sits, the better it tastes, as the layers meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, slice into squares and serve! The dessert is ready to be devoured, with each bite bursting with creamy goodness and fresh strawberry flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories per serving: 300 calories
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 4%
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
- With Extra Strawberries: Garnish the top with additional fresh strawberry slices for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- For a Special Touch: Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
- As a Make-Ahead Dessert: This dessert is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Make it the day before your gathering, and it’ll be ready to go when you are.
Additional Tips
- Use Other Berries: If strawberries aren’t in season, try using other fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or even crushed gluten-free cookies.
- Skip the Crust for a Lighter Version: If you want to skip the graham cracker crust entirely, you can serve the filling in individual cups with berries on top for a lighter presentation.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
A1: Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
Q2: Can I make this dessert the night before?
A2: Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after it has had time to chill and the flavors have had time to meld together.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover icebox cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A4: You can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream. Just ensure the whipped topping is dairy-free.
Q5: How do I make the whipped cream stiff enough?
A5: Be sure to use heavy whipping cream and chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This will help it reach stiff peaks faster.
Q6: Can I use a different crust?
A6: Absolutely! You can swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo cookie crust or a shortbread crust for a fun twist.
Q7: How can I make this a bit sweeter?
A7: If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can increase the powdered sugar by a couple of tablespoons or add a touch more vanilla extract.
Q8: Can I use a pre-made crust?
A8: Yes! You can use a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time, though making your own adds a lovely homemade touch.
Q9: Can I use a different kind of fruit?
A9: Yes! Other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or even mangoes would work beautifully in this cake.
Q10: Can I freeze this icebox cake?
A10: Yes! You can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is everything you want in a dessert—easy to make, cool and creamy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a hot summer day or you’re just in the mood for something sweet and refreshing, this cake is guaranteed to hit the spot. So, grab your strawberries and get ready to create a dessert that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every last bite!
PrintStrawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a no-bake, chilled dessert made with layers of graham crackers, a luscious cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries. It’s the perfect treat for summer, easy to make, and packed with creamy, fruity goodness.
Ingredients
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a slight tang)
For the cake:
- 1 box graham crackers (about 14–16 crackers)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Additional whole strawberries for garnish (optional)
For the topping:
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
-
. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using), and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2. Layer the Icebox Cake:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin by spreading a thin layer of the cream cheese filling at the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange a layer of graham crackers on top of the cream cheese filling. Break the graham crackers to fit, if necessary.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Repeat the process with another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining cream cheese filling, and another layer of strawberries.
3. Chill the Cake:
- Once all layers are assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The graham crackers will soften and absorb the flavors, turning into a cake-like texture.
4. Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the icebox cake with additional whole strawberries on top or a swirl of whipped cream if desired.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Graham Crackers: If you prefer a bit of extra flavor, you can also use chocolate graham crackers or cinnamon graham crackers for a twist.
- Topping Variations: You can top the cake with a layer of whipped cream before serving or decorate with chocolate shavings or other berries.
- Make Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead! It’s best when made the day before and chilled overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours or overnight
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg