A Cool, Creamy Layered Dessert with Graham Crackers & Fresh Strawberry Flavor!

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is the ultimate no-bake summer dessert—light, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry sweetness! Layers of graham crackers, whipped cream cheese filling, and juicy strawberries meld together in the fridge for a cool, refreshing treat that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or easy weeknight desserts.

---

📝 Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 box (5–6 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder (adds flavor & color)
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen sliced strawberries, thawed & drained

For Assembly:

• 12–14 graham crackers (or vanilla wafers for gluten-free)

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)

1️⃣ Whip the Cream & Cream Cheese Filling

1. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture (don’t overmix!).

📌 Pro Tip:

• Chill your mixing bowl & beaters for faster whipping.

2️⃣ Add Strawberry Flavor

1. Sprinkle Jell-O powder over the cream mixture and fold until fully combined (should turn pink!).
2. Drain thawed strawberries well (to prevent a soggy cake).

📌 Pro Tip:

• Mash strawberries slightly for easier layering.

3️⃣ Assemble the Layers

1. In a 9×9-inch dish, layer:

• Graham crackers (break to fit)
• ½ cream cheese mixture
• ½ strawberries

1. Repeat layers, ending with strawberries on top.

📌 Pro Tip:

• Press crackers lightly so they absorb moisture.

4️⃣ Chill & Set

• Refrigerate 4+ hours (or overnight)—this softens the crackers into a cake-like texture.
• Slice into squares and serve chilled!

📌 Serving Suggestion:

• Top with extra whipped cream & fresh mint.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh strawberries?

✅ Yes! Replace frozen with 1½ cups fresh sliced strawberries + 1 tbsp sugar (let sit 10 mins).

2. Why is my filling runny?

• Cream not whipped enough (should hold soft peaks).
• Strawberries too watery (pat dry before using).

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

✅ Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies.

4. How long does it last?

• Fridge: Up to 3 days (cover tightly).
• Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).

5. Can I use sugar-free Jell-O?

✅ Yes! Adjust sweetener to taste.

---

🔥 Flavor Variations

• Mixed Berry: Use raspberry Jell-O + mixed berries.
• Lemon Blueberry: Swap for lemon Jell-O + fresh blueberries.
• Chocolate Strawberry: Add cocoa powder to cream layer.

---

⏱️ Time-Saving Tips

✔ Use store-bought whipped cream (fold into cream cheese).
✔ Prep the night before (chilling is key!).

---

🍽 Serving Occasions

• Summer picnics
• Easter or Mother’s Day brunch
• Potluck dessert table

---

💬 Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is cool, creamy, and effortlessly delicious—no oven required! The Jell-O adds a burst of strawberry flavor, while the graham crackers soften into cake-like layers.

Perfect for hot days when you want dessert without the fuss! ❄️🍓

Tried it? Share your pics below! 📸👇