This Strawberry Icebox Cake is a perfect cool treat for warm days! With layers of fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries between graham crackers, it’s super easy to make—just layer and chill!
You won’t believe how refreshing this cake is—it’s like summer on a plate! I love serving it at parties; everyone ends up asking for seconds. Just grab a fork and enjoy this delicious beauty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for flavor. You can use frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain them well. I love using local strawberries when in season—they taste so much better!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the cake its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using a low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Whipped Topping: It makes the dessert fluffy. If you prefer homemade, just whip heavy cream with some sugar until soft peaks form. This gives a fresher taste compared to store-bought.
Powdered Sugar: It’s used for sweetness and to blend smoothly. If you need a sugar alternative, try a powdered form of coconut sugar or make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine.
Graham Crackers: These provide a crunchy base. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or even crushed cookies like Oreos or shortbread for a different flavor.
How Do You Fold Ingredients Without Deflating Them?
Folding is a gentle technique that means mixing without stirring too hard, which keeps air in your mixture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Using a spatula, scoop from the bottom of the bowl and lift the mixture over the top gently.
- Rotate the bowl as you fold, making sure to incorporate the ingredients without beating them.
- Do this repeatedly until fully combined, but stop as soon as you don’t see any streaks of cream cheese/whipped topping anymore.
This way, you keep the mixture light and fluffy, perfect for your icebox cake!
How to Make Strawberry Icebox Cake (No Bake)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package of graham crackers
- Additional whole strawberries for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This strawberry icebox cake takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to chill. If you can let it sit overnight, it gets even better! It’s a quick and easy dessert that you can make ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese and add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will be the delicious base for your cake!
2. Add in the Whipped Topping:
Next, gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful when you mix this; you want to keep it light and fluffy! Just work it in until everything is combined well.
3. Set Up Your Dish:
Grab a 9×9 inch dish (or something similar) to layer your cake. Make sure it’s clean and ready to go!
4. Build Your Layers:
Start with a layer of graham crackers at the bottom of your dish. If the whole crackers don’t fit, feel free to break them to make them fit nicely. After that, spread a layer of your cream cheese mixture over the crackers, then place a layer of sliced strawberries on top.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Continue layering by adding more graham crackers, followed by the cream mixture and sliced strawberries. Repeat this until you’ve used up all your ingredients, making sure to finish with a layer of the cream mixture on top.
6. Chill the Cake:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, that’s even better! This helps the flavors mix and the graham crackers to soften perfectly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve the cake, take it out of the fridge and add some whole strawberries on top for a lovely finish. Slice it up, serve it cold, and enjoy your refreshing, no-bake dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in your cake. Pat them dry with paper towels before layering them in your icebox cake.
How Can I Substitute Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter option or a different flavor, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Just be aware that this will change the flavor and texture slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, the graham crackers may get softer the longer it sits!
Can I Prepare This Cake in Advance?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight in the fridge to enhance the flavors. Just remember to top it with fresh strawberries right before serving for the best presentation.
