Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake – A Creamy, Dreamy Summer Delight

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The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has always been part of my story a love passed down from my grandmother, who believed that the best recipes come from the heart. One of my favorite memories is of summer afternoons when she’d slice fresh strawberries from her garden, layering them over soft cream and biscuits. It wasn’t fancy, but it was full of love and it tasted like sunshine.

That’s what inspired today’s treat: Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake. This no-bake dessert is a modern twist on a classic, blending fluffy whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and tender graham crackers (or biscuits) into a chilled, melt-in-your-mouth delight. It’s the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic yet effortless perfect for warm days when you want something sweet without turning on the oven.

Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a picnic, or a quiet weekend treat, this Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is guaranteed to bring smiles. It’s creamy, fruity, and full of love just like every good recipe should be.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake:

For the layers:

  • 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced thin
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ sleeves graham crackers (or ladyfingers for a twist)

Optional additions:

  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (for a fruitier kick)
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
  • A few white chocolate shavings on top

Kitchen tools:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 8×8-inch square dish (or similar)
  • Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This is your dreamy layer that brings the cake together.

Step 2: Slice the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries and slice them thinly. If you like a jammy texture, toss half of them with 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam for a glossy, sweet finish.

Step 3: Layer the Cake
Start by spreading a thin layer of whipped cream at the bottom of your dish. Add a layer of graham crackers, followed by more whipped cream and a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the process cream, crackers, strawberries until you reach the top. Finish with a final swirl of whipped cream and a few pretty strawberry slices on top.

Step 4: Chill and Set
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — or overnight for best results. The crackers will soften beautifully, creating that perfect cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.

Serving & Presentation

When ready to serve, slice the cake gently using a sharp knife. Garnish with a few fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or even white chocolate curls for extra flair. The first bite is pure summer light, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor.

Serve this Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake with iced coffee, tea, or a sparkling lemonade. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table pause, smile, and reach for seconds.

Recipe Card Summary (for website or Pinterest)

Recipe Name: Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American / Greek-inspired fusion
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake, no bake dessert, easy summer cake, strawberry dessert

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Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake – A Creamy, Dreamy Summer Delight

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Print Recipe

This Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is a dreamy no-bake dessert layered with fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and graham crackers. Inspired by my grandmother’s summer treats from Crete, it’s an easy, refreshing recipe that tastes like sunshine and love in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. 🍓✨

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Layers:

  • 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 ½ sleeves graham crackers (or ladyfingers)

Optional Additions:

  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam

  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

  • White chocolate curls (for topping)

Instructions

  • Whip the Cream:
    In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

  • Prepare the Strawberries:
    Wash and slice strawberries thinly. If desired, mix half with 2 tablespoons of jam for extra sweetness.

  • Assemble the Cake:
    Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Add a layer of graham crackers, then more cream and strawberries. Repeat layers until full, finishing with cream and sliced strawberries on top.

  • Chill:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results) to let the layers soften into a cake-like texture.

  • Serve:
    Slice gently and garnish with mint or white chocolate curls before serving. Enjoy cold! 🍓

Notes

  • For best texture, chill overnight — the graham crackers will become soft and cake-like.

  • You can use ladyfingers or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers.

  • Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent twist.

  • Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Author: INAYA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 MIN
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American / Greek-inspired Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 120g)
  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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Conclusion

This Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is proof that you don’t need an oven to make something extraordinary. It’s simple, comforting, and filled with love just like the recipes I grew up with in Crete. The combination of cream, strawberries, and soft crackers creates the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Every spoonful feels like a warm hug and a taste of sunshine. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, this dessert is a reminder that joy often comes from the simplest recipes made with love, shared with heart. 🍓✨

Short 100-Word Version

Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! This Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is my favorite no-bake dessert for summer. It’s layered with fluffy whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and graham crackers simple yet delicious. I learned to love fruity, creamy desserts from my grandmother, who always said the best recipes are made with love. Chill it overnight, and you’ll have a cool, refreshing treat that tastes like sunshine in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family moments. Try it once, and you’ll make it every summer! 🍓

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