Print

Light No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake

light no bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A light and creamy no-bake dessert made with layers of graham crackers, fresh strawberries, and a fluffy cream cheese filling. Perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
  • 1 box (about 14 ounces) graham crackers
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves (optional)
  • Extra sliced strawberries for topping (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the cream cheese base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until well combined and fluffy. Set aside.
  2. Whip the cream: In a separate, very cold bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using clean beaters, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
  3. Fold it together: Take about a third of the whipped cream and stir it into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it up. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream using a rubber spatula until just combined.
  4. Prep the strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries. If using strawberry jam, stir it to loosen it up.
  5. Start layering: Spread a very thin layer of the creamy filling (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Place a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking them as needed to fit snugly.
  6. Build the cake: Spread about 1/3 of the remaining creamy filling evenly over the graham crackers. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top. If using jam, brush a little over the strawberries. Repeat layers: graham crackers, cream filling, strawberries. You should get about 3 full layers. End with a final layer of graham crackers on top.
  7. Top it off: Spread the last of the creamy filling over the top layer of graham crackers. Smooth it out. Arrange extra sliced strawberries on top for decoration, if desired.
  8. Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture.
  9. Serve: When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with mint leaves if desired. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Use a cold bowl and beaters for whipping cream for best volume. Do not rush the chilling time; overnight is ideal for the best texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers. For a lower-sugar option, use a sugar substitute and sugar-free jam.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/light-no-bake-strawberry-shortcake-icebox-cake-easy-perfect/