Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Recipe

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🍓 Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Recipe: A No-Bake Dream Dessert!

Looking for a cool, creamy, and utterly delicious dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible? The Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a crowd-pleasing, no-bake treat that layers graham crackers, fresh strawberries, rich cream cheese, and luscious pudding into the perfect summer dessert. Whether you’re hosting a party, taking dessert to a potluck, or just indulging in a sweet craving—this chilled cake is always a hit.

It’s light, fruity, creamy, and loaded with real strawberry flavor. And the best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven!

🍰 Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

This simple recipe comes together with a few pantry staples and fresh strawberries. Here’s everything you need:

  • 2 lbs. fresh strawberries, washed, tops removed, sliced ÂĽ inch thick
  • 2 sleeves of graham crackers
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 (3.4 oz.) packages of instant cheesecake-flavored pudding
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 (12 oz.) tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided

👩‍🍳 How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

This recipe requires no baking and only a bit of mixing and layering. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you make it flawlessly.

1. Prepare the Strawberries

  • Wash your fresh strawberries thoroughly.
  • Cut off the tops and slice them about ÂĽ inch thick.
  • Set them aside in a bowl—these will be used throughout the layers and on top.

2. Line the Dish

  • Grab a 13×9 inch (3-quart) baking dish.
  • Line the bottom with a single layer of graham crackers. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly or you have to break some to fit.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Pudding Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat room-temperature cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
  • Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
  • Add the cheesecake pudding mixes and cold milk.
  • Mix on low speed for 4–5 minutes, or until the pudding begins to thicken and the texture becomes smooth.

4. Fold in Whipped Topping

  • Gently fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping (reserve about 1 cup for the final layer).
  • This creates a light, airy, and smooth filling.

5. Assemble the Layers

  • Pour a third of the cream cheese pudding mixture over the graham crackers and spread evenly with a spatula.
  • Add a layer of sliced strawberries, placing them evenly over the filling.
  • Add another layer of graham crackers, then another third of the filling, followed by more strawberries.
  • Repeat until you’ve used all the graham crackers and pudding mixture—finishing with a layer of strawberries on top.

6. Top It Off

  • Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top layer.
  • For a beautiful finish, decorate with additional strawberry slices, or even a few crushed graham cracker crumbs for texture.

❄️ Chill Before Serving

This dessert is all about the chill factor! Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight if possible.

This gives the graham crackers time to soften into cake-like layers and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it chills, the better the texture.

đź“Ś Tips for the Best Icebox Cake

  • Room Temp Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for the smoothest texture.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Ripe, sweet strawberries are key—avoid underripe or overly soft ones.
  • Cold Milk: Use cold milk for setting the instant pudding quickly.
  • Overnight is Best: If you can, make it the night before for the ultimate set and flavor.

📦 Storage and Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • This dessert is perfect for prepping ahead of time, especially for events and holidays.

🎉 Why Everyone Loves Strawberry Icebox Cake

  • No oven needed—ideal for hot days.
  • Easy to make with store-bought ingredients.
  • Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly.
  • Beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
  • Can be customized with other fruits like blueberries, bananas, or kiwi.

🥄 Variations to Try

Want to get creative? Try these delicious twists:

  • Chocolate Strawberry Icebox Cake: Swap graham crackers for chocolate graham crackers or Oreo cookies.
  • Lemon Berry Version: Use lemon pudding instead of cheesecake and add mixed berries.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers.

🍓 Final Thoughts: A Chilled Delight for Every Occasion

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a no-fuss, flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe will win over everyone with its creamy texture, sweet strawberries, and cake-like layers.

Perfect for summer BBQs, family gatherings, birthdays, or just because—it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Just chill, slice, and serve!

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