Summer brings with it a bounty of fresh fruits, perfect for creating desserts that are both refreshing and satisfying. One of the most delightful ways to celebrate the season is by making a Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake. This dessert combines the luscious flavor of strawberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all layered with crisp graham crackers that soften to a perfect texture. It’s an ideal treat for gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a way to end a warm summer day. The process is straightforward, requires no baking, and offers a gorgeous presentation that will impress your guests. Let’s dive into how to create this exquisite dessert that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of fresh strawberries, cleaned and thinly sliced
- 2 packages of graham crackers
- 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (14 oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 (3.4 oz.) packages of instant cheesecake flavored pudding
- 3 cups of cold milk
- 1 (12 oz.) carton of whipped topping, use divided
Instructions
Preparing the Creamy Cheese Layer
- Starting the Cream Base:
Begin by placing your cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it is completely smooth and free from any lumps. This step is crucial as it ensures your icebox cake has a silky texture. - Incorporating Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese while continuing to beat the mixture. Ensure that both ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. This creates a rich and creamy base that will contrast beautifully with the lightness of the whipped topping and the tartness of the strawberries.
Making the Pudding Mixture
- Combining Pudding Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant cheesecake pudding mix and the cold milk. Continue to whisk vigorously until the pudding starts to thicken, which should take about 2 minutes. This cheesecake-flavored pudding will add a delightful cheesecake essence to each bite. - Adding Whipped Topping:
Take half of the whipped topping and gently fold it into the thickened pudding mixture. Folding rather than mixing is key here to maintain the light, fluffy texture of the whipped topping, which adds an airy quality to the dessert.
Assembling the Icebox Cake
- Layering the Base:
Choose a rectangular 9×13 inch dish for the assembly of your icebox cake. Start by laying down a layer of graham crackers to cover the base of the dish. You might need to break some crackers to fit them properly without any gaps. - Adding the First Layers:
Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Follow this with half of the pudding mixture. These layers will begin to set the foundation for the flavors and textures that make this cake a delight. - Adding Strawberries:
Place a generous layer of sliced strawberries over the pudding layer. The strawberries not only add freshness and a juicy burst in each bite but also create a beautiful visual layer. - Repeating Layers:
Repeat the layering process starting with graham crackers, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture, and the rest of the pudding mixture. Top this second set of layers with another generous helping of sliced strawberries.
Finishing Touches
- Final Layer:
Spread the remaining half of the whipped topping over the top layer of strawberries to create a smooth and creamy finish. For an extra touch of elegance and added crunch, you can garnish the top with a few slices of strawberries or a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers. - Chilling the Cake:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferable. This rest period allows the graham crackers to soften up and become cake-like, absorbing the flavors of the cream cheese and pudding layers.
Conclusion
Once your Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake has chilled and set, it’s ready to be served. Cut it into squares and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy layers. This icebox cake not only makes a perfect dessert for hot summer days but also offers a beautiful presentation that can light up any meal. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this cake is a wonderful way to enjoy the season’s freshest strawberries. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your family and friends with a dessert that epitomizes the joy of summer.
image source : Heavenly Recipes
