Description
Rich layers of creamy strawberry icebox cake combine classic dessert comfort with summer freshness. Refrigerated overnight, this no-bake treat delivers sweet strawberry elegance you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) strawberries (rinsed, dried, and sliced)
- 2 sleeves graham crackers
- 1 package (8 oz/226 g) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 cups (710 ml) milk
- 2 packages (3.4 oz/96 g each) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 carton (12 oz/340 g) Cool Whip (divided)
Instructions
- Strawberry Preparation: Slice fresh strawberries into uniform quarter-inch thick pieces, creating precise and consistent cuts for optimal texture and visual presentation.
- Base Layer Construction: Arrange graham crackers in a neat, overlapping pattern to cover the entire bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish, establishing a solid foundation for the dessert.
- Cream Mixture Creation: Combine softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk using an electric mixer, then integrate instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk, whipping until the mixture transforms into a velvety, rich blend with a luxurious consistency.
- Filling Enhancement: Incorporate whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, gently folding to create a light, airy filling that adds depth and smoothness to the dessert.
- Layering Process: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker base, strategically distributing sliced strawberries across the surface, then add another layer of graham crackers topped with the remaining cream cheese mixture and additional strawberry slices.
- Chilling and Setting: Wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to intermingle and the dessert to develop a perfect, firm texture.
- Final Presentation: Adorn the chilled icebox cake with extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, creating a visually appealing and textured finish before serving directly from the refrigerated dish.
Notes
- Slice Strawberries Precisely: Cut strawberries uniformly to 1/4-inch thickness for consistent texture and even flavor distribution in every bite.
- Layer Graham Crackers Carefully: Create a tight, overlapping base to prevent gaps and ensure structural integrity of the dessert.
- Mix Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Beat ingredients until completely smooth to eliminate lumps and create a silky, uniform filling that enhances overall taste and mouthfeel.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours to allow ingredients to set and develop a perfect creamy consistency, with strawberries infusing their sweet essence throughout the dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg