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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake

no-bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake - featured image
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A happy accident turned into the best summer dessert! Layers of creamy cheesecake filling, macerated strawberries, and softened graham crackers create a no-bake masterpiece that’s perfect for hot days and entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced (about 4 cups sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 box (about 14.4 ounces) graham crackers (honey or original flavor)
  • Optional garnish: extra sliced strawberries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Macerate the strawberries: Wash and hull strawberries, slice into even pieces (about 1/4 inch thick). Place in a medium bowl, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Gently toss, let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until syrup forms.
  2. Make the cream cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt, beat until well combined and silky.
  3. Whip the cream: In a separate clean bowl, pour cold heavy cream. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes). Be careful not to over-whip.
  4. Fold everything together: Take about one-third of the whipped cream and stir into cream cheese mixture to lighten. Gently fold in remaining whipped cream using a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain. Mixture should be light, airy, and pillowy.
  5. Layer the icebox cake: Spread about 1/3 cup of cream cheese filling on bottom of 9×13 dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking as needed. Spread about one-third of remaining filling evenly over graham crackers. Spoon about one-third of macerated strawberries (including syrup) over filling. Repeat layers two more times: graham crackers, filling, strawberries. For top layer, finish with graham crackers, spread remaining filling over top. Arrange extra strawberry slices on t…
  6. Chill and wait: Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Graham crackers need time to soften completely and absorb strawberry goodness.

Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling. Don’t skip macerating the strawberries – the syrup is what softens the graham crackers. For best results, let the cake rest overnight (at least 6 hours). Use a serrated knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. Keep chilled until serving, can sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry shortcake, icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, graham cracker dessert, cream cheese dessert

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-shortcake-icebox-cake-best-summer-dessert/