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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake (Best Summer Dessert)

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 6 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups heavy cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 box (about 14 ounces) graham crackers (about 24 full sheets)
  • Extra sliced strawberries for topping (optional)
  • White chocolate shavings for topping (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries. Slice them about 1/4-inch thick. Toss them in a bowl with the sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat. Let them sit while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the creamy filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. The mixture should be light, fluffy, and spoonable.
  5. Layer the cake: Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking pieces as needed to fit. Spread about one-third of the remaining cream mixture over the crackers. Top with about one-third of the macerated strawberries and their juices.
  7. Repeat the layers two more times: graham crackers, cream mixture, strawberries. For the final layer, end with a generous spread of the cream mixture on top. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
  8. Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the cream. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Serve: Before serving, top with extra sliced strawberries, white chocolate shavings, or fresh mint leaves if desired. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

For best texture, chill overnight. The graham crackers need time to soften completely. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them first. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and chilled coconut cream.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-icebox-cake-best-summer-dessert/