Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake Recipe Perfect for Summer Treats
A quick and easy no-bake strawberry icebox cake featuring layers of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and crunchy graham crackers that soften overnight into a creamy, refreshing summer dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 full sheets (or 24 halves) graham crackers
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (about 300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Optional: 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries (10 minutes): Rinse and hull the strawberries, then slice them evenly. In a medium bowl, toss the sliced berries with the lemon juice and powdered sugar (reserve a tablespoon of sugar for the cream). Set aside to macerate.
- Whip the Cream (8-10 minutes): Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for about 10 minutes beforehand. Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into the bowl. Begin whipping on medium speed, gradually adding the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form. If using cream cheese, beat it separately until smooth, then fold gently into the whipped cream.
- Layer the Cake (10 minutes): In an 8×8-inch dish, spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom. Place a single layer of graham cracker halves over the cream. Spread about a third of the whipped cream over the crackers, smoothing gently. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries evenly over the cream layer.
- Repeat Layers (5 minutes): Add a second layer of graham crackers, followed by another third of the whipped cream and the remaining strawberries. Finish with a final cracker layer and the remaining whipped cream spread on top, smoothing it out.
- Chill Overnight (minimum 6 hours): Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to let the graham crackers absorb moisture and soften.
- Serve (5 minutes): Garnish with extra fresh strawberries or crushed graham crackers if desired. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
Notes
Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for best results. Do not soak graham crackers; they soften naturally overnight. Macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for enhanced flavor. Let cake chill at least 6 hours or overnight for best texture. If cream separates, gently fold in a tablespoon of fresh cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9th of ca
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 3
Keywords: no-bake, strawberry, icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, graham crackers, whipped cream