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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Icebox Cake

no-bake strawberry pretzel icebox cake - featured image
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A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring crunchy pretzels, whipped cream with cream cheese, and fresh strawberries layered into a creamy, crowd-pleasing icebox cake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (60 grams) mini pretzels or pretzel sticks, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups (450 grams) fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Rinse and slice about 3 cups (450 grams) of fresh strawberries. Drain excess moisture and set aside.
  2. In a chilled large mixing bowl, beat 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces (225 grams) softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully combined but still fluffy.
  5. In a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) dish, layer 2 cups (60 grams) pretzels evenly on the bottom.
  6. Spread one-third of the cream mixture over the pretzels, then scatter about 1 cup (150 grams) sliced strawberries on top.
  7. Repeat layering pretzels, cream, and strawberries two more times, finishing with a layer of pretzels and the remaining cream on top. Press lightly to compact without crushing pretzels.
  8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and pretzels to soften slightly while retaining crunch.
  9. Before serving, optionally sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top. Slice into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat layers.

Notes

Pat strawberries dry if extra juicy to avoid soggy layers. Chill cake overnight for best texture and flavor. Use a warm knife for clean slicing. For vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese. Gluten-free pretzels can be used to make it gluten-free. Optional lemon juice brightens cream cheese mixture; coarse sea salt enhances salty-sweet balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry pretzel cake, icebox cake, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser, summer dessert, no oven dessert

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-pretzel-icebox-cake-recipe-perfect-for-a-crowd/