No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a fantastic no-bake dessert that’s perfect for serving a crowd. Thanks to the combination of cheesecake-flavored pudding and sweetened condensed milk, the filling turns out extra rich and holds its shape beautifully—much sturdier than simple whipped cream alone. As the cake chills, the graham crackers absorb moisture from the creamy layers, softening into a tender, cake-like texture.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs strawberries
- 2 sleeves graham crackers
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant cheesecake-flavored pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 1 (12 oz) carton whipped topping, divided
How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries and Base
Rinse the strawberries, remove the stems, and slice them into 1/4-inch pieces. Set aside. Arrange a single, even layer of graham crackers across the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together until completely smooth and creamy.
Tip: If the cream cheese is still slightly firm, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften. Cold cream cheese can create small lumps that are difficult to smooth out later.
Step 3: Add the Pudding
Mix in both packages of pudding along with the milk. Beat on low speed for 4–5 minutes, until the mixture thickens noticeably.
Step 4: Fold and Layer
Gently fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping until evenly blended. Spread half of this mixture over the graham cracker base. Add a single layer of sliced strawberries on top.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Place another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries, then spread the remaining cream mixture on top. Finish with the rest of the sliced strawberries.
Step 6: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 6–8 hours. This resting time is essential, as it allows the graham crackers to soften and develop a cake-like texture.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top. Crush any leftover graham crackers into crumbs and sprinkle them over the cake for added texture.
