This Strawberry Icebox Cake is an easy and delicious dessert that you can whip up in no time. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With just a few simple ingredients and no need for baking, this cake is a delightful combination of fresh strawberries, creamy layers, and crispy cookies. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 packages of graham crackers or your favorite tea biscuits
- 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by washing and hulling 2 pounds of fresh strawberries. Slice them thinly and set aside. Fresh, ripe strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream
In a large mixing bowl, pour in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In another mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy. Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat the mixture until fully combined and smooth. The sweetened condensed milk adds a rich, sweet flavor and a smooth texture to the cream cheese.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to combine the two mixtures until they are well blended and smooth. This creates the creamy layer for the icebox cake that is both rich and light.
Step 5: Assemble the Icebox Cake
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the cream mixture on the bottom. This helps to hold the first layer of cookies in place. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers or tea biscuits over the cream. Break the cookies as needed to fit and cover the entire bottom of the dish.
Spread about one-third of the cream mixture over the cookies, spreading it evenly to cover all the edges. Top the cream layer with a generous layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers, starting with another layer of cookies, followed by cream, and then strawberries. Continue until you have three layers, ending with a layer of cream on top.
Step 6: Chill the Cake
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Chilling the cake allows the cookies to soften as they absorb the moisture from the cream and strawberries, creating a cake-like texture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, you can garnish the top of the cake with additional sliced strawberries for a beautiful presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Icebox Cake
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and good-quality cream cheese and heavy cream make a big difference in the final taste of the cake.
- Chill Overnight: For the best texture, allow the cake to chill overnight. This gives the cookies enough time to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Customize the Layers: Feel free to customize the layers by adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even a layer of chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Chocolate Strawberry Icebox Cake: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the layers for a rich chocolate twist. Simply melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stir until smooth, and let cool slightly before layering.
- Berry Medley Icebox Cake: Instead of just strawberries, use a mix of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful and flavorful variation.
- Lemon Berry Icebox Cake: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Q: How long can I store the icebox cake? A: The icebox cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie? A: Absolutely! While graham crackers or tea biscuits are traditional, you can use any type of cookie you like. Shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate cookies would work well.
This Strawberry Icebox Cake is an easy, no-bake dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and soft cookies, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy this delightful treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Happy cooking
