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No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake

no-bake strawberry icebox cake - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring layers of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and soft cookies that create a creamy, fruity treat perfect for summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 sleeves graham crackers or vanilla wafers (about 9 ounces / 255 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and hull about 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Slice them evenly into medium-thick slices and set aside.
  2. In a chilled mixing bowl, pour 2 cups (480 ml) of heavy whipping cream. Add 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Gently fold in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest if using.
  3. In an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) dish, start with a single layer of graham crackers or vanilla wafers, breaking them if needed to fit snugly.
  4. Spread about one-third of the whipped cream evenly over the cookies. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream.
  5. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with a thick layer of whipped cream on top.
  6. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, garnish with whole or halved strawberries or crushed graham crackers. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to keep it stable and fluffy. Use room-temperature strawberries to avoid breaking down the whipped cream. For softer cookies, chill the cake overnight. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. Variations include using coconut cream for dairy-free, adding chocolate layers, or swapping berries seasonally.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, strawberry, icebox cake, easy dessert, summer dessert, gluten-free option, whipped cream, graham crackers