Easy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake
A light, creamy, and refreshing no-bake strawberry cheesecake icebox cake perfect for summer. This easy dessert layers graham crackers, a fluffy cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- About 12 sheets graham crackers (honey-flavored preferred)
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (480 ml) whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups (300 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lemon zest from one lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and slice about 2 cups (300 grams) of fresh strawberries. Set aside to drain any excess juice.
- In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces (225 grams) of softened cream cheese with 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and lemon zest if using, mixing gently to combine.
- Carefully fold in 2 cups (480 ml) of whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, keeping it light and fluffy.
- In a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking dish, start with a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to cover the bottom evenly.
- Spread about a third of the cheesecake filling over the crackers, smoothing it out.
- Distribute half of the sliced strawberries evenly over the filling layer.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by another third of the filling, then the remaining strawberries.
- Finish with a final layer of graham crackers and the remaining cheesecake filling spread on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Slice gently with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat pieces.
Notes
Let cream cheese soften fully before mixing to avoid lumps. Drain strawberries to prevent soggy layers. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. Use a serrated knife and clean blade between slices for neat cuts. For dairy-free, swap cream cheese and whipped topping with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of graham crackers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake, strawberry cheesecake, icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, no oven, creamy, graham crackers