There’s a special place in our hearts for no-bake desserts like this strawberry icebox cake. When the craving for strawberry desserts hits, there’s no easier fix than this lovely, layered dessert. Just whip up the creamy filling, layer it with graham crackers and berries, and dessert is done.

 

Ingredients

8 oz.               cream cheese, at room temperature

1 c.                 powdered sugar

3 c.                 heavy cream, divided

1 tbsp.            vanilla bean paste or extract

1 tbsp.            lemon zest

40                   graham cracker squares

2 lb.                strawberries, sliced about 1/4-inch thick (about 6 cups)

3/4 c.              sliced almonds (optional)

 

Directions

  1. Beat cream cheese in a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar; beat until smooth.
  2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add 1 cup of the heavy cream and beat at low speed until smooth. Add the remaining 2 cups of cream; beat at medium to medium-high speed until soft peaks form, increasing speed as the mixture begins to thicken. Fold in the vanilla and lemon zest.
  3. Spoon 1/4 cup of the cream mixture into the bottom of a 9-by-9-inch pan or baking dish; spread into a thin, even layer.
  4. Top with graham crackers in a single, even layer, breaking them as needed to fit. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of the cream mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing into an even layer using a spoon or offset spatula. Top the cream mixture with an even layer of berries (about 1 1/2 cups). Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup almonds, if using.
  5. Repeat two more times with the remaining graham crackers, cream mixture, berries, and almonds.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least four hours and up to overnight.
  7. Enjoy!

 

YIELDS: 8 – 10 servings

PREP TIME: 0 hours 15 mins

TOTAL TIME: 4 hours 15 mins

 

How do you make strawberry icebox cake?

First, you whip up some cream cheese until it’s nice and soft. Then, add a little heavy cream to loosen up the cream cheese. Then add the rest of the cream and beat until soft peaks form into an easy whipped cream. Then, add a little of the cream mixture to the bottom of a 9-by-9-inch pan or dish, and layer with graham crackers, more cream, strawberries, and almonds. It’s like making lasagna, but much sweeter!

 

What’s the trick for making even layers?

The best way to make layers even is to use the same amount of each ingredient in each layer. For this dessert, we used about 12 graham cracker squares, 1 1/2 cups cream, 1 1/2 cups berries, and 1/4 cup almonds for each layer. There should be a little extra of everything left over for garnishing or later snacking.

 

Can strawberry icebox cake be made ahead?

Yes! This dessert actually needs to be made ahead so that the graham crackers have time to soften—four hours ahead at least and overnight is great!

The almonds in the recipe add a lovely crunch, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer softer layers.

 

Allegiance Home Health offers private caregivers who can assist with meal preparation and healthy living.

Our CNAs and HHAs are trained and will meet the specific needs of each patient.

 

Call us today for a Complimentary Home Assessment!

561-367-0711
954-973-5505
772-266-8528

 

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