Strawberry Icebox Dessert

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a Strawberry Icebox Dessert during the warm summer months. I remember the first time I made this delightful treat; it was a hot afternoon, and the sun was blazing down. I had a craving for something cool and creamy, and that’s when I stumbled upon this recipe that promised the perfect combination of flavors. The blend of rich, whipped cream and sweet, juicy strawberries nestled between layers of graham crackers instantly caught my attention. As I gathered the ingredients, excitement bubbled within me at the thought of indulging in this light and airy dessert. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate a sunny day with friends and family.

Ingredients for Strawberry Icebox Dessert

When it comes to creating this Strawberry Icebox Dessert, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component brings its unique charm to the dish. The rich cream cheese, luscious heavy whipping cream, and sweet strawberries come together to create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This adds a rich, creamy base to our dessert, ensuring it has a smooth texture.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture, giving it that delightful sweetness.
• 2½ cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection, it provides a light and airy texture that complements the denser cream cheese.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warming flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract: A subtle hint of almond elevates the flavor profile and makes it even more delicious.
• 18 sheets cinnamon graham crackers: These form the base and layers of the dessert, adding a crunchy texture.
• 5 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Fresh mint for garnish, optional: A touch of freshness and color to finish off the dessert beautifully.

The Method for Strawberry Icebox Dessert

Creating this Strawberry Icebox Dessert is a breeze, and I can’t wait for you to try it! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the method!

1. Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. It’s essential to ensure there are no lumps; this will create a lovely base for your dessert.
2. Next, add in the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the mixer, the cream will hold its shape. The fluffy texture is what makes this dessert so light and appealing.
3. Now it’s time to prepare the baking dish. Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of an 11×7-inch baking dish. This will help hold the bottom layer of graham crackers in place.
4. Place ⅓ of the graham crackers in a single layer over the cream cheese mixture. Don’t worry about perfection; just make sure they’re somewhat evenly distributed.
5. Spread ⅓ of the remaining cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly, ensuring every cracker gets a taste of that delicious cream.
6. Now comes the fun part! Top with 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Spread them evenly, allowing their juicy flavor to seep into the layers.
7. Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries, followed by another ⅓ of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the process, topping with another 2 cups of sliced strawberries and final layer of graham crackers.
8. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top. Make sure to cover the graham crackers completely to keep them from getting too soggy.
9. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of sliced strawberries on top. This not only adds color but also a burst of flavor when you take your first bite.
10. Finally, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, before serving. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
11. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh mint if desired. Slice into squares and enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Icebox Dessert!

Helpful Hints

Whether you’re making the Strawberry Icebox Dessert for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, here are some helpful hints to ensure success.

• Storage: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dessert for up to one month. Just defrost in the fridge before serving.
• Pairing: This dessert pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Variations: Consider using other fruits like blueberries or peaches to switch up the flavor profile.
• Serving size: Cut into small squares for serving, as this dessert is rich and creamy.
• Presentation: For a lovely presentation, garnish each piece with a fresh mint leaf and a few extra strawberry slices.

Serving Options for Strawberry Icebox Dessert

The Strawberry Icebox Dessert is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:

• Perfect for summer gatherings: This dessert is a fantastic addition to barbecues or outdoor picnics, where its refreshing taste can be fully appreciated.
• Great for family dinners: Serve it as a sweet ending to a hearty meal, making it a family favorite.
• Birthday parties: Impress guests by making it as a centerpiece dessert for celebrations. Kids and adults alike will love it!
• Seasonal celebrations: This dessert can also be a hit during seasonal holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, adding a festive touch.
• Storage tips: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness.
• Pair with other desserts: Serve alongside a chocolate cake or a fruit tart for a delightful dessert table.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Strawberry Icebox Dessert is a perfect blend of creamy, fruity goodness that will surely leave you wanting more. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful layers of flavor and texture for yourself. It’s an easy, no-bake treat that you can whip up any time, and it’ll surely impress anyone you share it with!

Strawberry Icebox Dessert

Craving something refreshing and easy to make? This Strawberry Icebox Dessert is the ultimate summer treat! With layers of fluffy cream and juicy strawberries, it promises to cool you down in style. Perfect for gatherings, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 270

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon almond extract
• 18 sheets cinnamon graham crackers
• 5 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 garnish fresh mint for garnish, optional

Equipment

• Hand-held electric mixer

Method

 

1. Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
2. Next, add in the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
3. Prepare an 11×7-inch baking dish by spreading a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom.
4. Place ⅓ of the graham crackers in a single layer over the cream cheese mixture.
5. Spread ⅓ of the remaining cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers.
6. Top with 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Spread them evenly.
7. Add another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries, followed by another ⅓ of the cream cheese mixture.
8. Top with another 2 cups of sliced strawberries and then add the final layer of graham crackers.
9. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top and scatter the remaining sliced strawberries on top.
10. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, before serving.
11. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh mint if desired. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: You can use regular graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers instead of cinnamon.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.