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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake Recipe

no-bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake - featured image

This easy no-bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake layers graham crackers with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a cool, creamy dessert that requires no oven. Perfect for weeknights and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Graham crackers (about 2 sleeves, or 24 full sheets)
  • Heavy whipping cream (2 cups, or 480 ml)
  • Powdered sugar (1/3 cup, or 40 grams)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Fresh strawberries (1 ½ pounds, or about 680 grams)
  • Optional: Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice the strawberries into even rounds, about ¼-inch thick. Set aside about 8-10 of the prettiest slices for the top. Optionally, toss sliced berries with a teaspoon of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice and let sit while preparing the cream.
  2. Pour cold heavy cream into a large, clean mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed, then increase to medium-high. Whip until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
  3. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  4. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream across the bottom of the pan. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking them as needed to fit. Spread about 1/3 of the remaining whipped cream over the crackers. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream. Repeat layers: crackers, cream, strawberries, until all ingredients are used (about 4-5 layers total). End with a final layer of cream on top. Smooth with a spatula.
  5. Arrange reserved strawberry slices on top of the final cream layer. Press them in gently.
  6. Fold overhanging plastic wrap over the top, or cover tightly with another layer of plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. When ready to serve, unfold plastic wrap from the top. Place a serving plate upside down over the pan, then flip the whole thing over. Lift the pan off, then peel away the plastic wrap. Rearrange any strawberries that stick. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. Serve cold.

Notes

For best texture, chill overnight. If in a hurry, 4 hours will work but center layers may still be slightly crunchy. Keep everything cold for best whipping results. Line the pan with plastic wrap for easy unmolding. Slice strawberries evenly (about ¼ inch) for consistent layers. Watch cream carefully to avoid overwhipping.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake strawberry shortcake, icebox cake, easy dessert, summer dessert, no-bake dessert, strawberry dessert