If you’re looking for a refreshing and easy dessert that’s perfect for summer, look no further than this Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake. Made with layers of graham crackers, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped cream cheese, this no-bake dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24-28 whole graham crackers
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover the layer of cream cheese with a layer of graham crackers, breaking them into smaller pieces as necessary to fit.
- Top the layer of graham crackers with a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Repeat the layers of cream cheese mixture, graham crackers, and strawberries until you have used up all of the ingredients, ending with a layer of cream cheese mixture on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, slice the cake into squares and garnish with additional strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture to your liking.
- You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a tangy twist.
- Make sure to let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use a different size or shape of dish, just adjust the amount of ingredients as needed.
- For a fun twist, try using different flavors of graham crackers, such as chocolate or cinnamon, or add a layer of chocolate chips or chopped nuts between the layers of strawberries and cream cheese mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained, or substitute with another type of berry or fruit.
- This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to cool down on a hot summer day or need a dessert to bring to a potluck or party, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy!
Variations:
- Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake: For a chocolate twist on this recipe, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture and layer with sliced strawberries and chocolate graham crackers.
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake: Swap out the strawberries for fresh blueberries and use honey graham crackers instead of plain graham crackers.
- Peach Cream Cheese Icebox Cake: Substitute sliced fresh peaches for the strawberries and layer with vanilla wafer cookies instead of graham crackers.
- Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake: Use a combination of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, and layer with graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Icebox Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and layer with sliced strawberries or blueberries and graham crackers.
Presentation:
To make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake look even more appetizing, you can add some decorative elements to it. Here are a few ideas:
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or other berries.
- Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts.
- Pipe some whipped cream on top of the cake in a decorative pattern using a piping bag and a star tip.
- Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel on top of the cake for an extra touch of decadence.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint.
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of sweet strawberries, creamy whipped cream cheese, and crunchy graham crackers, this no-bake dessert is sure to please. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. So why not give this recipe a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to a sweet and refreshing dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.