This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is the ultimate no-bake dessert—cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Made with layers of sweetened cream cheese, whipped topping, juicy strawberries, and soft cookies or crackers, it transforms in the fridge into a sliceable, cake-like treat without ever turning on the oven.
Perfect for warm days, holidays, or last-minute gatherings, this icebox cake is light yet indulgent, nostalgic yet crowd-pleasing. The longer it chills, the better it gets.
Why You’ll Love This Icebox Cake
- No baking required
- Cool, creamy, and refreshing
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Simple ingredients
- Ideal for summer and holidays
Ingredients
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tub (225 g / 8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 2½–3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 package graham crackers or vanilla wafers
Optional Garnishes
- Crushed graham crackers
- Extra strawberries
- White chocolate shavings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cream Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
2. Start Layering
Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture in the bottom of an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers or wafers over it.
3. Add Strawberries
Top with a layer of sliced strawberries, then spread a generous layer of the cream mixture over the fruit.
4. Repeat
Continue layering crackers, strawberries, and cream until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cream layer on top.
5. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the crackers to soften and turn cake-like.
6. Garnish & Serve
Before serving, garnish with crushed crackers, fresh strawberries, or chocolate shavings.
Slice and serve chilled.
Tips for Best Results
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor
- Chill overnight for clean slices
- Dry strawberries slightly before layering to prevent excess moisture
- Use vanilla wafers for a sweeter dessert or graham crackers for balance
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Not freezer-friendly (texture changes)
Final Thought
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is creamy, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special while being incredibly easy—perfect for sharing and guaranteed to disappear fast.