Why You’ll Love Irresistible Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Recipe

Cheesecake meets shortcake: Enjoy strawberry cheesecake flavor in a chilled, no-bake cake
Effortless to assemble: Only takes about 15–20 minutes to build; chilling does the rest
Great for make-ahead serving: Requires just hours in the fridge, ideal for parties

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Graham crackers (enough for layering)
Cream cheese, softened
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar (or confectioners’ sugar)
Vanilla extract
Optional: sweetened condensed milk and powdered cheesecake pudding mix (for richer custard)

directions

Prepare strawberries: Wash, dry, and slice; toss with a bit of sugar and let macerate if desired.
Make filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Whip heavy cream separately to stiff peaks, then gently fold into cream cheese base.
Layer:
- Line bottom of a loaf or square pan with graham crackers.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese filling.
- Top with sliced strawberries.
- Repeat layers (typically 3 layers) finishing with cream or berries on top.
Chill: Press layers gently, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours; overnight yields best texture.
Serve: Slice and garnish with extra strawberries or crumbs.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Chill time: 4–8 hours, ideally overnight
Makes: 8–16 servings depending on pan size and layering style

Variations

Use other berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) or stone fruit like peaches.
Swap graham crackers for gluten-free cookies or Oreos for a chocolate twist.
Add toasted nuts or crumbs between layers.
Try vegan or dairy-free versions using plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped cream.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: Covered, it stays fresh up to 3 days; strawberries may soften over time.
Freezing: Not recommended—the strawberries release excess juice and texture degrades when thawed.

FAQs

1. What is an icebox cake?

An icebox cake is a no-bake dessert assembled in layers, then chilled in the fridge (“icebox”) until the components meld into a cake-like texture.

2. Can I prepare this more than a day ahead?

Yes, you can assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; this allows flavors to develop while keeping texture intact.

3. Can I use frozen berries?

You can, but they tend to release extra juice when thawed—drain them well beforehand to prevent sogginess.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—just use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies as the layered base.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

You can substitute vegan cream cheese and plant-based whipping cream, and check that cookies are vegan-friendly.

6. How long should it chill before serving?

Minimum 4–6 hours is needed, though overnight chilling gives the best set and flavor.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing isn’t advised—texture suffers and the fruit becomes soggy when thawed.

8. How can I make the top look pretty?

Reserve the nicest strawberry slices and arrange them on top just before serving to keep them fresh and firm.

9. Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Try vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even swirl in some lemon curd for added brightness.

10. What pan should I use?

A 9″ loaf pan or 8–9″ square pan works well—line with parchment to remove the cake easily.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the tangy creaminess of cheesecake with bright berries and crispy graham crackers—without ever turning on the oven. Easy to put together, perfect for entertaining, and endlessly adaptable to your favorite fruits or dietary needs. Enjoy a slice all summer long!

Irresistible Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

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This Irresistible Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert layered with sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and graham crackers. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave a refreshing and indulgent treat. Keywords: strawberry icebox cake, no bake strawberry dessert, cream cheese icebox cake.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no bake)
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh strawberries, sliced
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 box graham crackers (about 18 full sheets)
Optional: additional strawberries and whipped cream for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the whipped cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Make the cream cheese filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the prepared whipped cream until fully combined.
Assemble the layers: In a 9×13-inch dish, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom. Add a layer of graham crackers to cover.
Spread a third of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers, then add a layer of sliced strawberries.
Repeat the layers: graham crackers, cream mixture, strawberries—ending with a layer of cream and strawberries on top.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Serve: Garnish with additional whipped cream and strawberries if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Use cold heavy cream for best whipping results.
For extra strawberry flavor, macerate strawberries in a little sugar before layering.
Can substitute Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream for convenience.
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.