Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake – Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s easy to make, requires no baking, and tastes like a slice of heaven?
This icebox cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or just a casual weekend indulgence.
It’s absolutely delicious!
What you’ll love about it is its irresistible combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, sweet and juicy strawberries, and crunchy graham crackers.
Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake:
Whipped Cream: Serve each slice of icebox cake with a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and indulgence.
Fresh Strawberries: Garnish each slice with a few fresh strawberry slices for a pop of color and added sweetness.
Mint Leaves: Add a sprig of fresh mint leaves as a garnish for a refreshing touch and to enhance the presentation of the dessert.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over each slice for a decadent flavor combination of strawberries and chocolate.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast of creamy and fruity flavors.
Lemon Zest: Sprinkle some lemon zest over each slice to add a hint of citrusy freshness and brightness.
Crushed Graham Crackers: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers over each slice for added texture and to tie in with the graham cracker layers in the cake.
Berries Compote: Serve each slice with a spoonful of mixed berries compote for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
These serving suggestions will enhance the overall dining experience and complement the flavors of the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake.
Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake:
Use Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe and fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using strawberries that are overripe or mushy.
Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Make sure to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before using it in the recipe. Softened cream cheese will blend more easily and result in a smoother filling.
Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: When whipping the heavy cream, whip it just until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can lead to a grainy texture.
Layer Ingredients Evenly: Spread each layer of the cream cheese mixture and sliced strawberries evenly over the graham crackers to ensure that each bite has a balanced combination of flavors.
Chill Thoroughly: Allow the icebox cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the graham crackers to soften, resulting in a deliciously creamy texture.
Cover Well: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the cake from absorbing any odors or flavors from the refrigerator.
Slice Carefully: When slicing the icebox cake, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to ensure clean cuts. Wipe the knife clean between each slice for neat edges.
Garnish Before Serving: Add any garnishes, such as additional sliced strawberries or mint leaves, just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
By following these baking tips, you’ll be able to make a Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake that’s perfectly creamy, flavorful, and visually appealing.
Enjoy your delightful dessert!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I freeze the strawberry cream cheese icebox cake?
While you can freeze it, the texture may become slightly different once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
How to store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers (if there are any!) covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake may soften slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! Store-bought whipped cream works just fine and saves you some time in the kitchen.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this cake actually tastes better when made ahead of time as it allows the flavors to meld together.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 24 graham cracker sheets
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries:Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold water, remove the stems, and slice them thinly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined and smooth.
- Whip the Heavy Cream:In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream:Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Assemble the Icebox Cake:Line the bottom of an 8×8 inch square baking dish or a similar-sized dish with a layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit.Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers, covering them evenly.Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.Repeat the layers with graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, and sliced strawberries until you've used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cream cheese mixture on top.
- Chill the Cake:Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the icebox cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and the graham crackers to soften.
- Serve:Before serving, garnish the top of the icebox cake with additional sliced strawberries, if desired.Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled.