Strawberry Icebox Cake
Strawberry Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert made with layers of graham crackers, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. As it chills in the refrigerator, the layers soften, creating a creamy, cake-like texture. It's a light, refreshing treat that's perfect for summer and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Whisk
- Knife (for slicing strawberries)
- 9×13 inch baking dish or similar-sized dish
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil (for covering)
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream divided
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1 box about 14 oz graham crackers
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries
- 2 ounces dark chocolate finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar for macerating the strawberries
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash and slice the fresh strawberries. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir to coat the berries and set them aside for 10-15 minutes to macerate, releasing their juices.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Whip the Cream:
- In another bowl, beat the 2 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a fluffy, smooth filling.
Assemble the Cake:
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, lay down a layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom. Spread a portion of the cream mixture on top of the graham crackers, then add a layer of macerated strawberries. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream on top.
Chill and Set:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the cake to set and the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped dark chocolate over the top and add any extra sliced strawberries for decoration. Slice and enjoy your chilled strawberry icebox cake!
Notes
This Strawberry Icebox Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, but it’s especially great for warm summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
The dessert gets better with time, so it’s a wonderful make-ahead option for busy days. You can also customize the recipe by adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry icebox cake.
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with whipped topping or use reduced-fat cream cheese.