Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Strawberries
Wash & Dry: Start by washing the strawberries in cold water to clean them. Then, blot them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove moisture.
Slice and Add Strawberries: After they dry, slice strawberries into pieces that are 1/4 inches thick. Set them aside. Prepare the strawberries first, since the cream cheese mixture, once it’s prepared, takes seconds to be assembled before it sets.
Step 2: Prepare baking dish and eggs.
Layer Graham Crackers: Place a layer of whole graham crackers on the bottom of a 3-quart, 13×9-inch baking dish. Six graham crackers should almost fit perfectly; if there are any gaps, you can break the seventh cracker to fill them. Set the dish aside.
Step 3: Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Peppers
How to prepare an easy sweetened condensed milk cheesecakeMix cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk — In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and the sweetened condensed milk. With an electric mixer, beat the mixture at medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add Pudding Mix and Milk: Add two boxes of instant cheesecake pudding mix and 3 cup milk to the bowl. Mix low-speed for another 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens.
Folding in the Cool Whip: Adding two cups of Cool Whip to the pudding mixture, folding until well incorporated and smooth. This will create a light and aerated feel for the batter.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Step One: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on the graham crackers in the baking dish. Spread it with a spatula, to get an even coating.
Strawberry Layer: Press a single, thick layer of sliced strawberries over the cream cheese mixture.
Graham Crackers Second Layer: Just like you did with the bottom layer: add another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries.
The Other Half Of Your Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour the other half of the cream cheese mixture onto the second layer of graham crackers, and spread it around.
Final Strawberry Layer: Add another layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Chill the Cake: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store the cake in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours. This gives the layers a chance to set and flavors mingle for a solid, cohesive cake.
Step 6: Final Touches
Dry Off the Strawberries:
After a chilling in the fridge, check beneath the strawberries to make sure no excess moisture has accumulated. If you see any, lightly dab the top layer of strawberries with a dry paper towel to soak up excess moisture. This prevents your dessert from becoming soggy.
Add the Cool Whip:
Carefully spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top of the cake, covering the strawberries completely. This creamy layer gives the dessert a smooth, fluffy finish.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle generously on top of the bread.
If you want a little more crunch, crush some graham cracker crumbs and spread over the Cool Whip. It gives just the right amount of textural variety and a touch of sweetness to bind it all together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake alongside fresh fruit, or even drizzle with chocolate syrup for a little extra decadence, if you wish. Or you can pair it with a glass of sweet iced tea or a sparkling lemonade to play up the dessert’s fruity, refreshing flavors.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
The cake lasts well in the fridge for 3 days. Just be sure that it is wrapped tightly in plastic, or has an airtight lid, because it’s best that way. You can make it the day before you intend to serve the stew if you want to make it ahead.
For freezing leftovers (unlikely!), then wrap the individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, leave to thaw in the fridge for a few hours.
Variations:
Chocolate Lovers: In place of the regular graham crackers, use chocolate graham crackers, or layer the dessert with crushed Oreo cookies for a decadent version.
Mixed Berries: Replace some or all of the strawberries with a mixed berry = blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc. for a multi-berry punch!
Healthified Version: Instead, use light Cool Whip, low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix.
Conclusion:
Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake This is a no-fuss dessert for a crowd! This sweet, cool, creamy treat is a new household favorite! It’s always a winner for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Enjoy!
