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no-bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake - featured image

Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake: Best Summer Dessert

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x

Description

This no-bake strawberry shortcake icebox cake is the perfect summer dessert. Layers of vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, and homemade whipped cream create a tender, cake-like texture without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (12 ounces) vanilla wafers (e.g., Nilla Wafers)
  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed, then increase to high until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes). If using lemon zest, fold it in gently.
  2. Prepare the strawberries: Wash, hull, and slice strawberries into thin, even slices (about 1/8 inch thick). Set aside a handful of the prettiest slices for garnish.
  3. Layer the cake: Spread a thin layer of whipped cream (about 1/4 cup) on the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish or 9-inch springform pan. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers over the cream, breaking some to fill gaps. Spread 1/3 of the remaining cream over the wafers, then arrange 1/3 of the sliced strawberries on top. Repeat layers: wafers, cream, strawberries, wafers, cream, strawberries, ending with a final layer of cream on top.
  4. Garnish and chill: Arrange reserved strawberry slices on top in a decorative pattern. Add mint leaves if desired. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  5. Serve: Remove from fridge. If using a springform pan, run a knife around the edge and release sides. Slice into squares or wedges and serve cold.

Notes

For best results, chill the cake overnight. Keep all ingredients cold. Do not skip the chilling time—it allows the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain thoroughly before slicing.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of cake
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24
  • Sodium: 120
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: no-bake strawberry shortcake, icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, no-bake dessert, strawberry dessert

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-shortcake-icebox-cake-best-summer-dessert/