Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is the perfect no-bake dessert that combines layers of graham crackers, a creamy cheesecake pudding mixture, and fresh strawberries. After chilling in the refrigerator, this cake sets beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld together into a refreshing, creamy treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

This dessert is ideal for warm days or when you need something quick to assemble in advance. The light, fluffy layers of cream cheese and Cool Whip, paired with the juicy strawberries and the subtle crunch from the graham crackers, make each bite delightful. Serve this cake chilled for a sweet and satisfying end to any meal!

Why You’ll Love It

No baking required: No need to turn on the oven, making it a fantastic option for hot days or quick preparation.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic, birthday party, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress.
Creamy and fruity layers: The combination of the rich cream cheese filling, sweet strawberries, and graham crackers creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Make-ahead dessert: This cake needs several hours to chill, making it a great dessert to prepare ahead of time. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Key Ingredients:

Strawberries

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but make sure to select firm, ripe berries. The sweetness of the strawberries will enhance the overall flavor of the cake. If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Graham Crackers

Graham crackers provide structure to the cake, absorbing moisture from the cream layers and softening into a cake-like consistency. If you’re feeling adventurous, try cinnamon graham crackers or even chocolate graham crackers for an extra layer of flavor.

Cream Cheese

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother, creamier filling without any lumps. If you’re in a rush, you can soften it quickly by microwaving the cream cheese (without the foil) for about 15-20 seconds.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and richness to the filling. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can try using a low-fat or sugar-free version.

Pudding Mix

Instant cheesecake-flavored pudding is key to achieving the cheesecake-like flavor without the fuss. If you can’t find cheesecake-flavored pudding, vanilla or white chocolate pudding works just as well.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Rinse and Dry: Begin by rinsing the strawberries under cold water, ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Slice the Strawberries: Once dry, slice the strawberries into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Set them aside. Preparing the strawberries first is crucial because once the cream cheese mixture is ready, it needs to be assembled quickly before setting.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Layer Graham Crackers: Line the bottom of a 3-quart, 13×9-inch baking dish with a layer of whole graham crackers. Six graham crackers should fit perfectly, and you can break the seventh one to fill any remaining gaps. Set the dish aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Mix Cream Cheese and Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add Pudding Mix and Milk: Add the two packages of instant cheesecake-flavored pudding mix and 3 cups of milk to the bowl. Continue mixing on low speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold 2 cups of Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. This will give the mixture a light and fluffy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

First Layer: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the layer of graham crackers in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth layer.
Strawberry Layer: Arrange a single, even layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Second Layer of Graham Crackers: Place another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries, just like the base layer.
Remaining Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour the remaining half of the cream cheese mixture over the second graham cracker layer, spreading it evenly.
Final Strawberry Layer: Arrange another layer of sliced strawberries over the cream cheese mixture.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Chill the Cake: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate the cake for 6 to 8 hours. This allows the layers to set and for the flavors to meld together, ensuring a firm and cohesive cake.

Step 6: Final Touches

Handle Strawberry Moisture: Before serving, check if any moisture has accumulated from the strawberries sitting in the fridge. If necessary, gently dab the top layer of strawberries with a clean paper towel to soak up excess moisture.
Top with Cool Whip: Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake, covering the strawberries.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crush any remaining graham crackers into fine crumbs and sprinkle them over the Cool Whip layer for a delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit on the side or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup for those who love a little extra decadence. You could also serve it with a glass of sweet iced tea or a sparkling lemonade to complement the fruity, refreshing flavors of the dessert.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

This cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to keep it fresh. If you plan to make it ahead, you can prepare it the day before serving.

If you want to freeze leftovers (although it’s unlikely there will be any!), wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours.

Variations:

Chocolate Lovers: Swap out the graham crackers for chocolate graham crackers or layer the dessert with crushed Oreo cookies for a more indulgent twist.
Mixed Berries: Instead of just strawberries, use a mix of berries—blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries—to give it a multi-berry punch!
Lighter Version: If you’re looking to cut back on calories, use light Cool Whip, low-fat cream cheese, and sugar-free pudding mix.

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is the perfect no-fuss dessert for any occasion. It’s a sweet, creamy, and refreshing treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or a weeknight treat, this cake is always a hit. Enjoy!