Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a refreshing dessert that is perfect for warm weather. This no-bake dessert is easy to make and requires only a few common ingredients. The cake is a delicious combination of cream cheese, whipped cream, graham crackers, and fresh strawberries.
The dessert gets its name from the fact that it is made in a box, usually a rectangular baking dish, and is chilled in the refrigerator until firm. The layers of graham crackers and cream cheese mixture are alternated with fresh strawberries, creating a beautiful and colorful dessert that is perfect for any cozy event.
There are many variations of Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake, and each one is unique. Some recipes use whipped cream instead of cream cheese, while others use a combination of both. Some recipes also include additional ingredients like lemon zest, almond extract, or chopped nuts. Regardless of the recipe, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
What is an Icebox Cake?
An icebox cake is a delicious and refreshing dessert that doesn’t require baking. It is a type of cake that is made with layers of graham crackers, cream cheese, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. The cake is assembled in a pan and then chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
One of the great things about a strawberry cream cheese icebox cake is that it is a no-bake dessert, which means that you don’t have to turn on your oven. It is also very easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
The cream cheese and whipped cream layers are sweet and creamy, while the fresh fruit add a bright and fruity flavor. The graham crackers provide a nice texture and help to hold the layers together.
Overall, an icebox cake is a perfect dessert for any informal occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or a holiday gathering. It is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is easy to customize by adding different fruits or toppings.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a delicious dessert that is both refreshing and mouthwatering. This cake is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this dessert:
- 2 pounds of fresh strawberries
- 2 packages of graham crackers
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 (3.4-ounce) packages of instant cheesecake flavored pudding
- 3 cups of milk
- 1 (12-ounce) carton of Cool Whip, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The strawberries are the star of this cake, so it is important to choose fresh, ripe berries. You will need to slice the strawberries into thin, even slices. The graham crackers are used to create a crust for the cake, and the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk are used to create a creamy filling. The instant cheesecake flavored pudding mix adds extra flavor to the filling, and the milk is used to make the pudding. Finally, the Cool Whip is used to top the cake and add a light, fluffy texture.
Overall, these ingredients are easy to work with and come together to create a delicious, creamy, and fruity dessert that everyone will love.
Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
Wash and pat dry your strawberries. Slice them into about 1/4-inch thick slices. Set aside.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Once the mixture is smooth, add in the pudding mixes, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat again with an electric mixer until the mixture thickens, about 4—5 minutes. Finally, fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip.
Layering the Cake
To layer the cake, start by placing a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Break the graham crackers up as needed to line the dish completely. Next, spread a layer of the cream cheese filling over the graham crackers. Top the cream cheese filling with a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat these layers until you have used all ingredients.
Refrigerating the Cake
Once the cake is layered, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight. This will allow the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Serving the Cake
Before serving, top the cake with the remaining Cool Whip and some additional sliced strawberries, if desired. Now, your delicious dessert is ready to serve! With its layers of crunchy crackers, creamy filling, and sweet strawberries, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips and Tricks
Creating a delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make your dessert a real success:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing it. This will help it blend more smoothly and prevent lumps.
- Don’t skimp on the Cool Whip. It’s what gives the cake its light, fluffy texture.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a layer of strawberry jam or preserves between the graham cracker and cream cheese layers.
- If you’re having trouble getting your cake to set, try freezing it for a few hours before serving. This will help the layers firm up and make the cake easier to slice.
- For a more decorative presentation, consider garnishing your cake with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of sliced almonds. A few edible flowers add an elegant touch.
By following these simple tips and tricks, you can create a delicious and impressive Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Variations
Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
For a decadent twist on the classic Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake, try adding some chocolate to the mix. To make this variation, simply add 1/4 cup of dark unsweetened cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture before layering it with the graham crackers and strawberries. You can also add some bittersweet chocolate chips or shavings to the top of the cake for added texture and flavor.
If you want to take this variation to the next level, try using chocolate graham crackers instead of regular ones. This will give the cake a richer, more chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese.
Lemon Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
If you’re looking for a refreshing twist on this cake, try adding some lemon to the mix. To make this variation, simply add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture before layering it with the graham crackers and strawberries. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice or lemon extract to the Cool Whip for added tanginess.
If you want to take this variation to the next level, try adding some crushed lemon cookies to the graham cracker layer. This will give the cake a subtle lemon flavor and a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and juicy strawberries.
Other variations to try include:
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
- Raspberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
- Peach Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
Feel free to experiment with different fruits, flavors, and textures to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert.
Conclusion
Overall, Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any event. Its light and creamy texture, coupled with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh strawberries, makes it a taste-bud-pleaser that is sure to impress.
One of the best things about this dessert is how easy it is to make. With just a few common ingredients and some chilling time in the fridge, anyone can whip up a delicious icebox cake in no time.
For those who are looking for a dessert that is both satisfying and refreshing, this cake is the perfect choice. Its cool and creamy texture makes it a great option for hot summer days, while its sweet and fruity flavor is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Whether you are looking for a dessert to bring to a potluck, or just want to treat yourself to something sweet, Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a great choice. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?