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Creamy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake

creamy no-bake strawberry icebox cake - featured image
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A refreshing no-bake dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers, macerated strawberries, and a light cream cheese filling. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep, this make-ahead cake is perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 1 pound)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
  • 1 box (about 12 ounces) vanilla wafers (about 60–70 wafers)
  • Extra strawberry slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for 10-15 minutes to macerate.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat until combined and no lumps remain.
  3. In a separate clean bowl, whip cold heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until just combined.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer macerated strawberries to a small bowl, reserving the juices.
  6. Spread a thin layer (about 1/4 cup) of cream filling on the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  7. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on top, covering the bottom completely. Break wafers to fill gaps if needed.
  8. Lightly brush the wafers with some of the reserved strawberry juice.
  9. Spread about 1/3 of the remaining cream filling over the wafers. Top with about 1/3 of the drained strawberries.
  10. Repeat layers two more times: wafers, brush with juice, cream filling, strawberries. End with a final layer of cream filling on top.
  11. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  12. When ready to serve, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves if desired. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For best results, let the cake chill overnight. The wafers need time to soften and absorb the cream and strawberry juices. If the cake feels too soft to slice cleanly, pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes before cutting. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free vanilla wafers or certified gluten-free graham crackers.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, cream cheese dessert

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-no-bake-strawberry-icebox-cake-easy-10-min-recipe/