No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cheesecake

Written by
Samantha Merritt
Samantha Merrit is the writer and recipe developer behind the popular blog "Sugar Spun Run" and specializes in desserts and baking.
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Samantha Merritt
Updated 05/01/20
No bake strawberry icebox cheesecake recipe

The Spruce / Cara Cormack
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Icebox cakes top the list of simple, delicious desserts that can feed a crowd. With strawberry season upon us and these bright, juicy berries abundantly available, there’s no better time to make a strawberry icebox cheesecake for your next potluck or get-together.

Strawberry icebox cheesecake can be assembled in advance in under 20 minutes, making for a perfect fast, easy dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. This icebox cheesecake has all of the same rich, creamy taste of standard cheesecake, lightened up with whipping cream and layered with graham crackers in lieu of a crumbly crust. It looks intricate with its many layers, and no one will guess that this icebox cheesecake was assembled in a matter of minutes.

One of the best things about this strawberry icebox cheesecake (aside from how easy it is to make) is how completely customizable it can be! Play around using different varieties of graham crackers, or use your favorite seasonal fruit to make your dream icebox cheesecake!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds strawberries (rinsed and patted dry)
  • 20 ounces cream cheese (softened​)
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (14.4-ounce) box of honey graham crackers (about 30 graham crackers)

Steps to Make It

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, this no-bake dessert is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and assembly.

Prep the Berries and Cream

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for berries and cream
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

  2. Rinse, hull and pat-dry your strawberries. Reserve whole berries for the top of your cake (about 16 small berries or 8 large berries) and slice the remainder.

    Rinse and hull strawberries
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  3. Using a stand mixer, or a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, stir cream cheese until smooth.

    Use a stand mixer
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  4. Gradually stir in about half of the heavy cream. Stir until smooth, pausing once to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

    Stir in heavy cream
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  5. With a mixer on medium-low speed, gradually add the remaining heavy cream.

    Add heavy cream
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  6. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until mixture begins to thicken (about one minute).

    Increase speed
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  7. Pause to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and add powdered sugar and vanilla.

    Pause to scrape sides
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  8. Stir again, gradually increasing speed to high. Beat until a thick, fluffy whipped cream texture is achieved.

    Increase speed of mixer
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Assemble the Icebox Cake

  1. Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan with an even layer of graham crackers (about 9 sheets—break graham crackers as needed to best fit).

    Cover pan with graham cracker
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

  2. Spread about 1/3 of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the graham crackers.

    Spread out cheesecake
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  3. Place another layer of graham crackers over the cheesecake layer, evenly spacing as needed and gently nestle them into the first layer.

    Place more graham crackers on
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

  4. Spread half of the remaining cheesecake over the graham crackers. Top with sliced strawberries, distributing strawberries evenly over the cheesecake layer.

    Spread more strawberries
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  5. Evenly space another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries, using the graham crackers to press the strawberries snuggly into the cheesecake layer.

    Evenly space graham crackers
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

  6. Top graham crackers with remaining cheesecake mixture and spread evenly.

    Top graham crackers
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  7. Top with remaining strawberries (if your strawberries are quite large, halve or quarter them before topping strawberry icebox cheesecake).

    Top with remaining strawberries
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  8. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. This will soften the graham crackers and give them a cake-like texture.

    Cover in foil
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  9. Serve and enjoy!

    Serve cheesecake
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Recipe Variation

  • Try using different varieties of graham crackers, or use blueberries or cherries to create your own version of this icebox cheesecake!

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