A strawberry icebox cake is a delightful, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm weather. To make it, you’ll need layers of graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies, which are alternated with a creamy mixture of whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Start by whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold in some sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in finely chopped strawberries, then layer this mixture with the cookies in a serving dish.
Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften, creating a cake-like texture.
Top with fresh strawberry slices before serving for a burst of color and flavor. This strawberry icebox cake easy, chilled dessert is both refreshing and indulgent, making it a favorite for gatherings and special occasions.
How To Prepare Strawberry Icebox Cake?
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: None
Total time: 30 minutes + chilling time
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Yield: 10 servings
Needed Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish,
- mixing bowls,
- electric mixer
Ingredients
- 1 package (14.5 ounces) graham crackers
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Wash and slice strawberries: Rinse the strawberries thoroughly, remove the green tops, and slice them into even pieces.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
3. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture along with the vanilla extract.
5. Layer the cake: Start by placing a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Top with a layer of sliced strawberries.
6. Repeat layers: Repeat the layers of graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cream cheese mixture.
7. Chill: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Special Note
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. You can also garnish the top of the cake with fresh berries or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs before serving.
Why Is It Called An Icebox Cake?
The term “icebox cake” originates from the days before modern refrigerators, when people used iceboxes to keep their food cold.
The cake gets its name because it is assembled and then chilled in the icebox (or refrigerator) to set. The no-bake nature of the cake, combined with the need for refrigeration to firm up the layers and flavors, led to this distinctive name.
What Does Icebox Mean In Baking?
In baking, “icebox” refers to a type of dessert that is prepared and then chilled or frozen to achieve its final texture. Unlike baked cakes, icebox cakes typically require no oven and rely on refrigeration to set.
The term underscores the use of a cold storage method to solidify the cake, often involving layers of cookies or crackers alternated with creamy fillings, which absorb moisture and become soft and cake-like.
How To Top A Cake With Strawberries
To top a cake with strawberries, start by washing and hulling the strawberries, then slice them if desired. Arrange the sliced strawberries decoratively on the cake’s surface, either in a pattern or scattered evenly.
For a glossy finish, you can brush the strawberries with a light layer of warmed apricot jam or a simple syrup.
This not only adds a beautiful shine but also helps the strawberries stay in place and enhances their flavor.
Conclusion
A strawberry icebox cake is a wonderfully simple yet elegant dessert that combines creamy, fruity flavors with the ease of no-bake preparation.
Its refreshing taste and light texture make it a perfect choice for summer gatherings or any occasion when you want a sweet treat without the hassle of baking.
With just a few ingredients and some chilling time, you can create a dessert that’s not only visually appealing but also delightfully satisfying.
Serving it at a family dinner or a festive celebration, this strawberry icebox cake is sure to impress and please everyone at the table.
More Amazing Strawberry Cake Recipes
Angel Food Cake Recipe with Strawberry
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- 1 package 14.5 ounces graham crackers
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash and slice strawberries: Rinse the strawberries thoroughly, remove the green tops, and slice them into even pieces.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture along with the vanilla extract.
- Layer the cake: Start by placing a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Top with a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layers of graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cream cheese mixture.
- 7 Chill: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.