Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm weather. It combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of strawberries and the convenience of graham crackers (or cookies) that soften and absorb the flavors as they chill. This cake is simple to make, requires no baking, and is always a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings, picnics, or family dinners.
Here’s a delicious recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake:
Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, adds a little tang)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (or you can use frozen strawberries if out of season)
For the Layers:
- 1 box graham crackers (about 12 full crackers) or vanilla wafer cookies
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam (optional, to spread on the crackers for extra flavor)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1-2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or strawberry preserves (optional, for extra sweetness and a glaze effect)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using), and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, mixing carefully to keep the whipped texture intact. You should end up with a light, fluffy, creamy mixture.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- Slice the fresh strawberries for the topping. You can also lightly sweeten them by tossing them with a bit of sugar if you’d like a sweeter topping.
- If using strawberry jam or preserves, warm it slightly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) so it becomes easier to spread or drizzle over the cake.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- In a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size pan), start by laying down a layer of graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom of the dish.
- If you like, you can lightly spread strawberry jam on the crackers for a boost of strawberry flavor.
- Spread a layer of the cream cheese filling over the graham crackers, smoothing it evenly to cover.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries over the cream cheese filling.
- Repeat the layers: add another layer of graham crackers, then cream cheese filling, then strawberries. Continue layering until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a final layer of cream cheese filling on top.
4. Chill the Cake:
- Once the cake is fully assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it chills, the more the graham crackers or cookies will soften and absorb the flavors.
5. Add the Final Topping:
- Before serving, add a final layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cake.
- If you’d like, you can drizzle some warmed strawberry jam or strawberry preserves over the top for a glossy finish.
6. Slice and Serve:
- Slice the icebox cake into squares and serve chilled. The result is a creamy, deliciously sweet dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake:
- Graham Crackers vs. Cookies: While graham crackers are classic, you can also use vanilla wafer cookies or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor twist.
- Strawberry Jam: If you prefer a more pronounced strawberry flavor, feel free to mix a little strawberry jam or puree into the cream cheese filling itself.
- Make-Ahead: This cake is ideal for making ahead of time. It actually tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge, as the flavors meld together.
- Variations: You can easily customize the fruit topping. Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries for a colorful and delicious twist.
- For a Lighter Version: If you’d like a lighter dessert, you can use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped cream to reduce the richness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a cup of iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing minty mojito for a perfect summer pairing.
- This dessert is great for holidays like Fourth of July, Mother’s Day, or any family gathering where you need a simple, make-ahead dessert that everyone will love.
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a simple, no-bake treat that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. It’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making it the perfect dessert for summer!
