Take fresh strawberries and cream to the next level with this no-bake, one-pan Strawberry Icebox Cake. Fluffy whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and graham crackers are all you need to make this potluck favorite!
Why this recipe works
I don’t even know where to begin with how amazingly delicious and easy this Strawberry Icebox Cake is! Strawberries, whipped cream, and graham crackers – that’s all you need to make this no-bake wonder.
The ingredients are layered together and allowed to set in the refrigerator. The graham crackers soak up some of the sweetened cream and become soft like cake. Mushy cookies may sound weird, but trust me it works! It’s sweet, light and fresh without being too sugary.
RELATED: you might also like this recipe – Strawberry Shortcake
This would be delicious with any of your favorite berries (raspberries then blueberries are next on my list of favorites). Or even with Oreos! (check out our Oreo Icebox Cake!) My favorite no-bake dessert is Oreo Cake, but when strawberries are in season, I go crazy for them.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
LAYERS – Since there are so few ingredients, I prefer to make a homemade whipped cream for the best flavor in this recipe, but you could also use Cool Whip. Whipped cream is then followed by a layer of graham crackers, another layer of whipped cream then sliced strawberries, and repeat.
How to Make Strawberry Icebox Cake
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand-held mixer, beat the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Place a very thin layer of cream on the bottom of a 9×9 square pan.
- Next, add a single layer of graham crackers. Top with 1/3 of the whipped cream and smooth with a rubber spatula.
- Add 1/3 of the strawberries in an even layer.
- Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with strawberries.
- Arrange the berries in a pretty pattern, if desired.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream with Cool Whip.
You can make this icebox cake up to 1 day ahead of time. This recipe calls for at minimum 4 hours of time in the refrigerator before serving to allow the graham crackers to soak up the whipped cream.
My favorite no-bake dessert is Oreo Cake, but when strawberries are in season, I go crazy for them. This strawberry icebox cake is going to be a spring and summer staple for sure. Take this to your next potluck or cookout where it’s sure to be a hit. I’m partial to food in glass dishes—it looks so pretty since you can see the food, especially when there are layers. And not just desserts! My layered Fiesta Bean Dip disappears in minutes every time.
More Icebox Cake Recipes
- Lemon Icebox Cake
- Funfetti Icebox Cake
- Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Cake
- S’mores Icebox Cake
- Oreo Icebox Cake
- Chocolate Icebox Cake
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Strawberry Icebox Cake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 pound strawberries sliced
- 7.2 ounces graham crackers 1.5 sleeves
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- While my bowl and beaters to whip the cream are chilling in the freezer, I slice up the strawberries. It’s good to have extra on hand in case you can’t help eating them like me. Whip the cream until light and fluffy. This takes less than five minutes with an electric mixer. You’re now ready to assemble.
- Place a smear of whipped cream on the bottom of your pan, this will keep your graham crackers from slip-sliding around when you try to add the next layer. So, a smear of whipped cream and then a single layer of graham crackers. You’ll need to cut some of them to fit the gaps.
- Next, top with a layer of whipped cream and then a layer of sliced strawberries. From there, repeat the layers ending with a layer of strawberries arranged nice and pretty. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. The crackers will be cake-like, the strawberries will have lent their fruity sweetness to the cream and your friends and family will thank you.
Instructions
- In a stand mixer or with a hand-held mixer, beat the cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Place a very thin layer of cream on the bottom of a 9×9 square pan. Next, add a single layer of graham crackers. Top with 1/3 of the whipped cream and smooth with a spatula. Add 1/3 of the strawberries in an even layer. Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with strawberries. Arrange the berries in a pretty pattern, if desired.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Nutrition
ONE-PAN DESSERTS COOKBOOK!
The one-pan dessert is ideal for all occasions including potlucks, holidays, barbecues and birthdays. Several of these desserts do not require baking making them perfect for summer. See ALL my cookbooks here!
20 delicious one-pan dessert recipes plus tips for dessert success! ONLY $9.97!!
Amanda Davis
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- Homemade Turkey Gravy - November 25, 2024
- Watergate Salad - November 21, 2024
- Sweet Potato Pie - November 18, 2024
Sherry Tauchus says
It says you can substitute Cool Whip. If so do you still add the cofectioners sugar.? I wouldn’t think so
Amanda Formaro says
No don’t add the sugar
Norita G Jennings says
Making this for Easter 2020. Yummy!
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome, hope you love it!
Marisa Rutledge says
Gonna make this right away..sounds delicious!
Karen says
Will this be perfect to serve in afternoon if made in the morning?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes!
Amy says
Has anyone tried substituting light whipped cream instead of the calorie bomb with heavy cream? Is it worth the calories?
Kelly says
Looks great! How long prior to serving to you think I could be in the fridge? Is 24 hrs too long?
Amanda Formaro says
I think 24 hours is ok, but wouldn’t go too much longer than that.
fun_stuff says
do you think if I should substitute mini pretzels with the graham crackers?
Amanda Formaro says
I haven’t tried that. I do have a recipe for strawberry jello pretzel salad, but the pretzel soak up the jello making them softer. Not totally sure that would happen with this. If you try it, I would love to hear about the results!
Wanda says
Bought all of the ingredients to make this for Mother’s Day. Can’t wait to try it!
Amanda Formaro says
I hope you loved it!
Andrea Chapman says
This looks like a fun recipe to do with the kids this spring! Thanks ❤🍓🍓🍓
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks, hope you enjoy it!
Deborah says
WHY would you make a recipe for anything but a 9×13 pan????
Amanda Formaro says
Ha ha – because we need to use our other pans too! ;)
Marcia says
Would you post or send me the recipe on how to make homemade whipped cream that you mentioned in this recipe. Thank you Amanda!
Amanda Formaro says
To make whipped cream, pour one cup of cold heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixer bowl. Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk on high until medium to stiff peaks form, about 1 minute.
Nancy Brooks says
OMG. I just made this following the recipe above, but now see this comment for 1 TBS. powdered sugar vs. 1/2 cup. I used 1/2 cup. I hope it isn’t too sweet.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Nancy – it should be totally fine :) The 1 tablespoon is for 1 cup. 1/4 cup of powdered sugar for 2 cups is totally fine, it’s equal to 4 tablespoons. That is double what I recommended in the comment above, but that’s just a starting point. You should be good!
Sherry says
Delicious!
Helen Woodward says
Can you tell me if graham crackers are a sweet cracker? I’m in Australia and we don’t have graham crackers, so l’ll substitute
Purpleperson says
Yes, gramcrackers are sweet, but not as sweet as sugar cookies or chocolate candy. Animal crackers taste the same, so when I Ned to make a gramcracker crumb crust and I don’t have gramcrackers, I use animal crackers. I suppose dory this recepy, animal crackers would be too small. But just to give you an idea of what a gramcracker is.
Helen Woodward says
I’d love to make this one. I’m in Australia and we don’t have graham crackers. Can you tell me if they’re a sweet cracker and then l can find a substitute over here. Thanks.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Helen. I believe wheatmeal biscuits may do the trick, but I’ve heard they are not as sweet. (Yes, graham crackers are a sweet cracker) Crunchy gingersnaps or Marie Biscuits are other alternatives as well. I hope this helps!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Helen! There are several different substitution suggestions here https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/50371/is-there-a-super-close-substitute-for-graham-crackers
Mary Ann Flores says
I just saw this recepie and will make this for my family tomorrow… Love your blog… Your wonderful personality and sense if humor comes through in your writing… Look forward to finding more treasured recepie from you… Thank you
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you enjoy it Mary! It’s a favorite around here :) Thanks for visiting!
Linda says
This looks so yummy, will have to try it soon.
Bea says
Simply delicious!
Susanne says
Have been making this for sometime. Delish! I also add strawberry jam on each cracker, takes a little longer to prepare but so worth it.
Amanda Formaro says
Great idea Susanne! Sounds yummy
Tilly says
Have not tried this yet, but will soon. Felt bad when I read the recommendation to use Cool Whip. Please don’t suggest this petroleum product to people to eat. It’s good for the car, but our engines need real food! Real Whip Cream is not bad for you, contrary to what the food guide tells you
Gloria says
Love your recipes and can’t wait to see more
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Gloria! if you aren’t subscribed to the newsletter make sure you do that. it’s free and goes out weekly with lots of recipes and crafts!