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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake (Best Summer Dessert)

no-bake strawberry icebox cake - featured image

A simple, no-bake dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and graham crackers that soften into a cake-like texture after chilling. Perfect for hot summer days when you want an impressive treat without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (about 900g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • About 12 full sheets (170g) graham crackers
  • Optional: zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Whip the cream: Pour cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. If using lemon zest, fold it in gently at the end.
  2. Prepare the strawberries: Rinse strawberries and pat dry. Remove green tops and slice into thin, even slices (about 1/4-inch thick). Set aside a handful of prettiest slices for topping.
  3. Layer the graham crackers: Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish, breaking crackers to fit as needed.
  4. Add a cream layer: Spread about one-third of the whipped cream over the graham crackers, smoothing evenly to the edges.
  5. Add a strawberry layer: Arrange half of the sliced strawberries over the cream, overlapping slightly. Press gently into the cream.
  6. Repeat layers: Place another layer of graham crackers on top of strawberries. Spread another third of cream, then add remaining strawberries. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
  7. Finish with cream: Spread remaining whipped cream over the top layer of graham crackers. Smooth evenly and arrange reserved strawberry slices on top decoratively.
  8. Chill: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Serve cold: Slice and serve straight from the fridge. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat slices.

Notes

Keep everything cold for best results. Don’t over-whip the cream; soft peaks are ideal. Slice strawberries evenly for consistent texture. Press graham crackers gently to help them soften. Be patient with chilling—overnight is best. Use a serrated knife for clean slices. The cake is best within 24 hours but keeps up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, graham cracker cake, no oven dessert