Strawberry Icebox Cake is an easy-to-make, no bake dessert featuring layers of cheesecake and pudding filling between layers of graham crackers and fresh juicy strawberries, topped with fresh whipped cream.
Strawberry Icebox Cake
This Strawberry Icebox Cake makes a perfect summer dessert! This retro dessert features layers of fresh strawberries and cheesecake filling between layers of graham crackers with a homemade whipped cream on top.
Chilling this cake allows the graham crackers to become soft and cakey. No baking required! This light refreshing Strawberry Icebox Cake will become an instant warm weather favorite!
What is an Icebox Cake?
An icebox cake is an old fashioned dessert that is made by creating layers using cookies, wafers, or graham crackers with custard, pudding, sweetened condensed milk, or whipped cream. Then to set, the cake is transferred to the "icebox," or refrigerator.
During the setting process, the cookie layer becomes softer, like the consistency of cake, and the filling portion firms up a bit from the moisture transfer, like a no bake cheesecake.
Fresh or Frozen Strawberries
I prefer fresh for this, but frozen can also work. Be aware that as the frozen strawberries thaw, they will sweat a bit, leaking moisture and color. This might lead to a little bit of a texture change in the cake and the filling may end up a little more pink than white.
Strawberry Icebox Cake Variations
The flavors of this strawberry icebox cake are divine as is, but variety is the spice of life. So here are some ideas if you want to change it up a little.
- Cookies- Instead of graham crackers, shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers, or even Oreos can be used.
- Berries- This dessert will turn out great with any berries, including blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and even cherries (pit removed).
- Pudding- You can also change the flavor by using different pudding flavors, such as lemon for a fresh pink lemonade flavor.
- Sauce- Drizzle a sauce on top such as chocolate syrup or even a fresh fruit syrup, like this blueberry maple syrup.
Can I Freeze my Strawberry Icebox Cake?
It's possible to freeze an icebox cake, but freezing and thawing berries will alter their texture, becoming watery after thawing. If you do decide to trying freezing your cake, wrap tightly, and use within one month for best results.
Allow to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to allow softening.
More No Bake Dessert Recipes You'll Love
- Chocolate Eclair Cake - a decadent icebox cake with a smooth, creamy vanilla pudding filling and a rich chocolate glaze on top.
- Berry Cheesecake Salad - a fruit salad packed with fresh berries and tossed in a cheesecake dressing.
- No Bake S'mores Cheesecake- no bake marshmallow cheesecake in a graham cracker crust topped with rich creamy chocolate ganache swirls.
- No Bake Banana Pudding- a simple classic banana pudding that's easy to make with a whipped cream topping and no bake time.
- Butterfinger Pie - creamy no bake peanut butter pie in a rich chocolate Oreo crust topped with whipped cream and butterfinger pieces.
Strawberry Icebox Cake Video
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (3.5 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding
- 2¾ cups milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping
- 2 to 3 sleeves graham crackers
- 2 pounds strawberries sliced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Strawberries for topping or garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine pudding and milk. Stir and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat to combine.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- In a deep 9"x13" baking dish, layer ⅓ of the graham crackers. Spread half the pudding mixture on top, being sure to spread all the way to the edges to seal. Add half of the strawberry slices. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. (3 graham cracker layers, 2 pudding and strawberry layers in between).
- Put plastic wrap over dish and put in fridge for about 30 to 60 minutes to allow pudding to set.
- After that time, add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly on cake.
- Cover and chill for 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Before serving, garnish with addition strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Instead of graham crackers, you can use shortbread cookies, Oreos, Nilla wafers, or chocolate wafers.
- To make gluten free, use gluten free graham crackers or cookies!
- Storage: Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days.
Nutrition
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Andrea says
This looks so light, refreshing and delicious! It's such an easy dessert to make and I know my family will be asking me to make this often.
Mindy says
A yummy recipe! Love the fresh strawberries and whipped cream combination. And love that I don't even have to bake it and can make ahead and store it in the fridge for parties.
Anjali says
This dessert was so easy to make and looked so elegant when it was ready!! Everyone I served this to loved it!
Gianne says
The combination of fluffy whipped cream and juicy strawberries layered between graham crackers is a true treat for the taste buds. I highly recommend trying it!
Kerri says
This cake was so good! I love a good no bake dessert and this one is great for spring time!