Easy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake
A cool, creamy, and tangy no-bake strawberry cheesecake icebox cake perfect for summer, featuring layers of cream cheese filling, graham crackers, and fresh strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 full sheets graham crackers (about 9 ounces / 255 grams)
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3/4 cup (90 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (about 300 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Optional garnish: extra strawberries or mint leaves
Instructions
- Slice the strawberries and zest the lemon if using. Set aside and keep refrigerated.
- In a cold mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip.
- In another bowl, beat 16 ounces (450 grams) of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup (90 grams) powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Add lemon zest here if using.
- In a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) dish, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom. Top with a single layer of graham crackers (usually 8 full sheets). Spoon and spread about a third of the cream cheese filling over the crackers. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries evenly on top.
- Repeat layers: graham crackers, cream cheese filling, strawberries. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers and spread the remaining cream cheese filling on top.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Garnish with extra strawberries or mint leaves if desired. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for cleaner cuts.
Notes
Chill mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for better volume. Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Drain extra juicy strawberries to prevent soggy crackers. Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for clean slices. For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, strawberry dessert, icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, no oven dessert, creamy cheesecake, layered cake