Best No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake: Easy Summer Dessert
This no-bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake is a happy accident turned signature dish. Layers of creamy filling, sweet strawberries, and softened graham crackers create a showstopping dessert that requires zero oven time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 standard box graham crackers (about 14–16 full sheets, 3 sleeves)
- Optional garnish: extra sliced strawberries and mint leaves
Instructions
- Macerate the strawberries: In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Make the cream filling: In a separate large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat until well combined.
- Whip the cream: In another bowl, pour cold heavy cream and remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (3-4 minutes).
- Fold it together: Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture in two additions using a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Layer the cake: Spread a thin layer of cream mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking to fit. Spread half of remaining cream mixture over crackers. Top with half of macerated strawberries including some juice. Repeat layers: graham crackers, remaining cream mixture, remaining strawberries. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Chill and set: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries and mint leaves. Slice into squares and serve cold.
Notes
Don’t skip the macerating step—the syrup helps soften the graham crackers. For best texture, chill overnight. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain well first. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/12 of ca
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake strawberry shortcake, icebox cake, summer dessert, no-bake dessert, strawberry dessert, graham cracker cake