Sweet, creamy, and bursting with bright berry flavor, the No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is an absolute summertime star! This irresistible dessert combines layers of silky whipped cream cheese filling, juicy strawberries, and perfectly softened graham crackers, creating a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic comfort and crave-worthy indulgence. The best part? Your oven gets to skip this one, making it an ideal choice for busy days or warm weather gatherings. If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping, easy-to-make dessert that delights both kids and adults, this recipe is for you!

No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a knockout No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake lies in its handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each staple brings something special, from lush creaminess to just the right touch of sweetness or a pop of fresh color.

Fresh Strawberries: Vibrant and juicy slices add a natural sweetness and a gorgeous color contrast to every layer.
Cream Cheese: This is the lush, tangy base for our filling, creating that classic cheesecake flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Blends smoothly into the filling without leaving any grains, perfectly sweetening the cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash deepens all the flavors with fragrant warmth.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Once whipped, it brings airy lightness and extra richness to the creamy layers.
Graham Crackers or Digestive Biscuits: These classic cookies soften up to become cake-like layers, holding everything together beautifully.

How to Make No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by beating the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. The key is to whip until it’s completely smooth, with no lumps remaining. This mixture is the backbone of your No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake, providing that delightful tangy-sweet flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a separate chilled bowl, pour in your heavy whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form. Don’t rush this part—properly whipped cream is what gives the cake its signature light and airy texture. Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter instead of cloud-like cream.

Step 3: Fold and Combine

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. You want to keep all the volume, so take your time and fold just until you don’t see any streaks. This luxurious filling is what makes the No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake utterly irresistible.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Set out a 9×9 inch dish and cover the bottom with a layer of graham crackers or digestive biscuits, breaking them if needed to fit the corners. Next, add a generous layer of the cream cheese filling, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. Then comes a cheerful burst of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a final layer of the creamy mixture on top. Each layer soaks up flavor as it rests, transforming into a magical, cake-like dessert.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can. This waiting game is crucial—the chilling time allows the cookies to soften and all the layers to meld together, turning the stack into a cohesive and sliceable delight. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it when you finally dig in to your No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake!

How to Serve No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

Garnishes

Dressing up your No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is half the fun! Fresh sliced strawberries on top are a must for that classic look, but you can also sprinkle on chopped pistachios, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even drizzle a little melted chocolate for extra flair. The more color and texture, the more inviting each slice becomes.

Side Dishes

This luscious cake shines on its own, but pairing it with a light, palate-cleansing side can make dessert even more special. Consider a simple fruit salad, a pitcher of sparkling lemonade, or crisp butter cookies. These options balance the cake’s creaminess and set a refreshingly festive mood for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation! Cut the cake into neat squares and layer them into individual mason jars or clear glasses for a portable, picnic-ready parfait. For an elegant dinner party vibe, serve slender slices on vintage plates and garnish with edible flowers. The versatility of No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is one of its best qualities—it adapts to any gathering with style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days, staying fresh and delicious. Just be sure to keep it chilled so the texture remains smooth and the layers don’t soften too much.

Freezing

Want to get ahead for a big event? You can freeze No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake in individual portions—or as a whole, if tightly wrapped. Wrap slices in parchment and plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture may be a bit softer, but the flavors will still shine through beautifully.

Reheating

Since this dessert is all about being cool and creamy, there’s no need to reheat. In fact, serving it chilled straight from the fridge is what gives it that perfect, refreshing taste and texture. If frozen, just allow time to thaw fully in the refrigerator before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before layering, to avoid sogginess in your No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake.

What if I don’t have graham crackers?

No problem! Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even gluten-free cookies make great substitutes. Choose your favorite cookie for a texture and flavor that suits your palate.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

The cake actually gets better as it sits, so feel free to make it up to 24 hours in advance. The cookies will continue to soften, and the flavors will meld to perfection by the time you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to lighten the dessert?

For a lighter version, swap regular cream cheese for low-fat or use a light whipped topping in place of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the texture will change slightly, but the No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake will still be a crowd-pleaser.

Can I add other berries or fruits?

Absolutely! This cake loves a bit of customization. Try layering in blueberries, raspberries, or thinly sliced peaches to change up the flavor profile and add a bit of visual variety alongside your strawberries.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a truly delightful treat that couldn’t be easier or more rewarding. The No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is always met with happy smiles and second helpings. So round up your ingredients, get a little creative, and let this dreamy, creamy dessert become a new favorite at your table!

No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this easy No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake. Layers of creamy, sweetened cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and graham crackers come together to create a luscious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

Additional Ingredients:

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 package (about 12 ounces) graham crackers or digestive biscuits

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Instructions

Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
Layering: In a 9×9 inch dish, layer graham crackers to cover the bottom. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the crackers, then add a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layering process, ending with the cream cheese mixture on top.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the cake to set and the graham crackers to soften. Serve chilled.

Notes

For extra flavor, macerate the strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar before layering.
You can substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies if desired.
Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving for a pretty presentation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Refrigeration
Cuisine: American