Strawberry Icebox Cake – the perfect easy NO BAKE dessert for summer. Best of all, this strawberry shortcake inspired recipe has only 5 ingredients with a video. A hit at potlucks & BBQ’s. With cheesecake pudding (or cream cheese), whipped cream, graham crackers & strawberries.
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Once summer is in full swing, this No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake shows up a lot at our house. Our weekends are usually busy visiting family and friends and they all love whenever we show up with this cool and creamy dessert. It reminds me of the classic Strawberry Shortcake with a creamy cheesecake filling.
I have a few other versions of this popular cake that we make often. They are super EASY to whip up and ridiculously simple to customize.
A few of our favorites include:
- Mixed Berry Icebox Cake another popular reader favorite for 4th of July & Memorial Day
- Cherry Cheesecake
- Peanut Cup Butter Oreo
- S’mores
- Monster Cookie
- Turtle
- Pumpkin Icebox Cake – great for fall or Halloween parties
They are my go-to no bake desserts once the weather gets warmer. Especially when you’ve got last-minute company or if you have to bring a sweet treat to a barbecue on short notice.
Plus, they taste amazing and are the best to make on a hot day when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven.
You only need 5 ingredients for this easy No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake:
- Layers of sliced sweet strawberries
- Freshly whipped cream mixed with cheesecake pudding (<—affiliate link) (If you can’t find cheesecake flavored pudding, you can either use vanilla pudding or omit the pudding part and beat in one 8 ounce package of softened cream cheese to mix in with the whipped cream instead)
- Graham crackers that soften into an airy cake-like texture as it rests in the fridge in a pan.
How easy is that? I’ve even made a Facebook video to show you how simple this comes together:
Make ahead tips:
- Slice the strawberries the day before and store in a large zip-top freezer bag
- Make the pudding ahead of time and store in an airtight container
- Layout how many graham crackers you need (you can also use vanilla wafers or even vanilla Oreo cookies if you prefer)
Another great thing about these no bake cakes? Swap in your favorite mix of chopped nuts, a drizzle of chocolate or whatever you have on hand!
Or add in some fresh mix of triple berries like I did here with my No Bake Mixed Berry version.
Bring one along to any summer potluck or barbecue and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with never any leftovers.
- 3-1/2 cups freshly whipped cream divided (or can use 3-1/2 cups of your favorite whipped topping like Cool Whip)
- 1 3.4-ounce package cheesecake pudding can also use vanilla pudding or beat in one 8 ounce package of softened cream cheese minus the milk
- 2 cups cold milk to make the pudding - omit if using cream cheese option
- 12 graham crackers
- 2-1/2 cups mixture of fresh sliced strawberries divided leaving the prettiest slices for the top
- crushed graham cracker crumbs
- chopped nuts
- drizzle of chocolate
- powdered sugar for dusting
- To make freshly whipped cream: With a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, whip 2 cups of heavy cream until it just holds soft peaks. Add 1/3 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and whip to combine until stiff peaks hold. Do not overmix. Set aside 1/2 cup whipped cream for topping.
- In a separate large bowl, make the pudding according to package directions using the 2 cups of cold milk. Allow 5 minutes to thicken. Once thickened, fold in the 3 cups of whipped cream.
- Assemble the cake: Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture in a 8 x 8 pan to coat the bottom.
- Place 3 graham crackers across the center of pan and then break up 1 or 2 more crackers as needed to fill in the gaps. Spread half of the cream mixture on top. Place a single layer of sliced strawberries.
- Top with another layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to make them fit. Spread the remaining cream mixture over top. Add another layer of strawberries.
- Top with the final layer of graham crackers. Spread the reserved 1/2 cup freshly whipped cream (or Cool Whip) over evenly.
- Place the last layer of the prettiest berries reserved for the top. Sprinkle on graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the graham crackers have softened completely. Serve chilled and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Recipe Video
- To make this icebox cake in a 9x13 pan, increase the amounts by 1.5
- You can replace the cheesecake pudding with homemade or storebought vanilla pudding or even softened cream cheese and leave out the milk used to make the pudding. Just mix in with the 3 cups of whipped cream.
- Adapted from The Kitchn
More Treats You Might Enjoy:
No Bake Mixed Berry Icebox Cake
No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Icebox Cake
More no bake treats from around the web:
Banana Split Dessert – Brown Eyed Baker
Peanut Butter Bars – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Peanut Butter Lush – The Domestic Rebel
Did you try this recipe?
Kyla -
We love this! Our favorite
Brenda -
This is our favorite! it’s SO good!
Johnna -
Amazing! It was a big hit! Thank you!