Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 (14.4 oz) package graham crackers
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetening strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance strawberry flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and lemon juice (optional). Stir well and set aside to let the strawberries macerate for about 10-15 minutes. This helps release their juices and sweetens them naturally.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (you can do this with an electric mixer or a hand whisk).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well combined. This creates the light, fluffy filling.
- Assemble the Icebox Cake:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese filling on the bottom of the dish.
- Place a layer of graham crackers over the filling, breaking them to fit if necessary.
- Spoon about one-third of the remaining cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers and smooth it out.
- Add a layer of the sweetened strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers: another layer of graham crackers, followed by more cream cheese filling, and then another layer of strawberries.
- Finish with a final layer of graham crackers and the remaining cream cheese mixture.
- Chill the Cake:
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries or even a drizzle of strawberry sauce if you like.
- Slice and enjoy this cool, creamy, and fruity dessert!
Tips:
- If you prefer, you can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries.
- The cake can be made ahead of time, and it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is the perfect dessert for warm weather, offering a combination of creamy richness and fruity freshness with minimal effort!