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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake: Best Summer Dessert

no-bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake - featured image

This no-bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake is the perfect summer dessert, made with simple ingredients like graham crackers, fresh strawberries, and real whipped cream. It comes together in 15 minutes and gets better after chilling overnight, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries (about 2 quarts)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 box (14.4 ounces) graham crackers

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the strawberries. Remove the green tops and slice each berry into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices in a small bowl and sprinkle with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Gently toss everything together and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Pour the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed, then gradually increase to medium-high. Whip until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a single layer of graham crackers, breaking crackers as needed to fill gaps.
  4. Spread about one-third of the remaining whipped cream over the graham crackers. Arrange about one-third of the sliced strawberries over the cream. Repeat this process: graham crackers, cream, strawberries, for a total of three layers. End with a final layer of graham crackers topped with the remaining cream. Reserve a few strawberry slices for decoration.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  6. When ready to serve, top with reserved strawberry slices and mint leaves if desired. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Notes

Keep everything cold for best results. Drain strawberries if they become too juicy. Press graham crackers gently into cream for even softening. The cake can be made up to 2 days ahead; texture is best after 24 hours. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, strawberry shortcake, icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, graham cracker, whipped cream