This easy Strawberry Icebox Cake is such a delicious dessert to bring to any Summer potluck that everyone will rave about! The graham crackers get soft and cake-like and are stuffed between layers of sweetened whipped cream and juicy strawberries. Perfection!
This strawberry ice box cake is by far my favorite summer dessert! You guys love it too because it has remained a reader favorite for years now! I have had lot of feedback from this recipe. Many of you don't like to use Cool Whip and I understand that - call me crazy but I actually like the flavor of it. When you want a super quick and easy dessert, it comes in handy. If you have time to make homemade whipped cream, which really only takes a few minutes, I definitely recommend it because it is delicious. I have updated the recipe with a homemade whipped cream option.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Strawberry icebox cake is such a great recipe for when you need to make a dessert ahead of time because it actually requires to be prepared ahead and chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Simple ingredients! Only 3 ingredients are needed for this recipe.
- Icebox cakes are SO easy! Like, insanely easy. You are just layering ingredients for this dessert and popping it in the refrigerator until it softens and sets properly.
This is my go-to when I have company or am going to a potluck where there are lots of people to feed. I love how refreshing it is since it is chilled until ready to serve. There's something about strawberries and fresh whipped cream together that just screams summer! The graham crackers layered between get nice and soft, almost like a thin cake layer. All of the flavors together are so delicious! It reminds me of strawberry shortcake.
Ingredients for strawberry icebox cake
Only THREE ingredients are needed for this insanely delicious strawberry icebox cake recipe.
- Strawberries: Juicy, ripe strawberries are sliced thin.
- Frozen (thawed) whipped topping: For this strawberry icebox cake, I give you 2 options for the whipped cream. The easiest way to make it is to use store-bought frozen whipped topping for the creamy layers. Some of you aren't fans of cool whip and I get it so below I offer a homemade whipped cream option. To take this recipe up a notch, I actually recommend making fresh homemade whipped cream! You can find my recipe in the recipe card below. It only take a few extra minutes to whip it up and is extra delicious. I love this icebox cake either way, though!
- Graham crackers: Honey graham crackers are used in this recipe.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
- Berry variations: Replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.
- Cookie Variations: Substitute honey graham crackers with chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies for a chocolate twist.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Add a twist to the whipped cream by incorporating different flavors. For example, you can infuse it with vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a hint of lemon extract for a bright citrus component.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzle between the layers and on top for a chocolatey twist.
How to make strawberry icebox cake
Below I will show you how to layer this recipe. You will essentially have 3 layers each of graham crackers, whipped cream and strawberries.
This dessert is always always a hit and is especially great for feeding large crowds! Everyone always goes crazy for it. It's no-bake too, so no turning on your oven on those really hot summer days! The combination of the melt-in-your-mouth graham crackers layered between the juicy strawberries and sweet creamy whipped cream is truly amazing.
If you want a delicious, SUPER easy and simple dessert to make, you've got to try this! I promise it will not disappoint.
Recipe FAQs
Icebox cakes get their name from how they were originally stored back in the 1920s and 1930s. They were stored in a non-mechanical version of what we know today as a refrigerator, called an icebox. Which is how they got the name icebox cake!
Icebox cakes are a simple no-bake dessert tat require just a few ingredients and the flavor combinations are virtually endless. They are made by layering ingredients like cookies, wafers or cake slices and a creamy filling like whipped cream and/or pudding. Additions like fruit are very popular. They are stored
More no-bake recipes to enjoy
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Strawberry Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 3 lbs strawberries thinly sliced
- 24 honey graham crackers
- 24 oz frozen whipped topping thawed
Homemade Whipped Cream Option
- 6 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- To make homemade whipped cream (if desired), beat heavy cream to stiff peaks. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- In a 9x13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of whipped topping just to coat the bottom. Place graham crackers across the center of pan and sides, breaking them as needed to fit around the edges.
- Spread a thick layer of whipped topping over graham crackers and top with a hearty layer of sliced strawberries.
- Place another layer of graham crackers on top of strawberries, then whipped topping, then strawberries. Repeat the layers 1 more time (3 times total) and you should reach the top of the pan. You will finish with a layer of sliced strawberries on top.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours or overnight until the graham crackers have softened. Serve chilled.
Wati says
It is very nice. If I cant have the same biscuits what other alternatives can I use. I dont we sell this in Australia.
Sandi says
Try lady fingers or shortbread
linda says
do you have ready whip or any whipping cream , you must have some type of topping that looks white and creamy
Michele Sweep says
To give real whipping a little extra firmness, just add a tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding. Would probably work well for this recipe. Going to try this for this weekend! I have another recipe that uses Cool Whip in the recipe but I like the real thing and put the vanilla pudding in it so the whipping cream doesn't get watery in the recipe.
Elisabeth Morrissey says
You can also add 1/4 cup of powdered (also called castor or icing) sugar to the cream before whipping it. Powdered sugar has cornstarch in it to prevent caking. The cornstarch will stabilize the whipped cream
Dee Dee De Lorenzo says
Thank you for the great tip!!!
betty sasser says
Any cookie that has a little cinnamon.
Janita says
I use Sara Lee pound cake
Nancy says
Milk Arrowroots might work instead of Graham Crackers ... I'm from Canada but I live in Perth , Western Australia ... not sure what we can use instead of Cool Whip either ... which is so delicious you could eat a whole tub by itself ... π ... maybe just regular cream whipped up with a bit of sugar and vanilla or the stuff you can buy in a can here isn't too bad and is nice and sweet and would do the job if you're making a small batch ... <3
nancy says
how about some cream cheese and butter with a little powdered sugar added
Jessica says
Yum!
Jessica says
You may not need the butter but cream cheese and powdered sugar would taste great!
farise mcintosh says
I think condensed milk mixed with dream whip or real whipping cream would be good.... soft ice cream would be good....I think fresh peaches would be good.... Bananas with strawberries and chocolate syrup as in a banana split would also be good...
Kara Blanchard says
I just HAD to comment that it should be a crime to not sell Cool Whip in Australia!!!!!!
LOL it's like having a fluffy piece of heaven in a bowl!
Theresa says
I use digestive biscuits and it tastes really good,,
Marcia says
My husband does not like graham crackers so I often substitute shortbread or vanilla wafer crumbs. Haven't tried this recipe but look forward to making it this summer! Hope this helps!
Jessica says
Those two would be yummy too!
Shannon says
Actually, you can even use white bread. Just butter it thinly and sprinkle it with a little bit of sugar. I usually let my sliced strawberries sit with some sugar on them so they make syrup, and then I drizzle the bread with the syrup as I build the layers.
cheyl says
Vanilla wafers... I add blue berries or black berries also!
Jessica says
Yum!
Jennie says
Does this taste better with nilla wafers?
Jessica says
I have never tried using them in this but I've seen other recipes for Icebox Cakes using them and they seem like they would taste great! Let me know if you try.
Hotrodroxie says
I will do this, but mix instant pudding and fold that with a portion of the whip cream instead. Don't limit your fruit, this could be done just like the amazing brownie pizza; kiwi, blueberries, strawberry etc.
Jessica says
Yes, definitely. I think cheesecake flavored pudding would be awesome! Or even banana cream to give it a strawberry banana flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Jessica says
You could also do a chocolate version with cool whip, instant chocolate pudding mix and milk and chocolate graham crackers! Yummy.
Velena Waddell says
chocolate graham crackers would be another alternative
CW says
I never use cool whip. Would whip cream work as well?
DEB ONNEMBO says
Yes but cool whip is less fattening and lighter. But whip cream is more natural. Either would work, personal preference.
Melissa says
That is the same thing . Whipping cream just comes in a box .
Lisa says
Try adding cream cheese and a little sugar...it is amazing
Jessica says
Yum! That sounds great.
Jessica says
Sounds yummy!
Sherry says
Lisa, how much cream cheese and sugar do you use? And do you put it in each container of whip cream? Thanks
Reni says
I would love to make it, but cannot figure out what could cool whip be replaced with? We don't have this product in my country.
Linda says
There is a powder mix to substitute for
Cool Whip that is called Dream Whip
Kaye Wise says
I think adding creme cheese to the cool whip and a layer of strawberry glaze on top would be delicious! This looks amazing.
Jessica says
That sounds so delicious! I just made this again last night for some friends and I'm wishing I used your suggestions! Lol π
Darla Williams says
I made this with adding cream cheese pudding to the cool whip! Amazing!
Lisa says
I use sugar free angel food cake instead of graham crackers. Love it.
Jessica says
Yum!!
Rose Landry says
Is there a way to send this recipe to my email?
Jessica says
I just emailed it to you π
arlena bishop says
Love it
arlena bishop says
Please send to my email
Jessica says
Sent! π
Diane says
please send me cool whip and angel food cake recipe. Thanks
Rosie says
Would using graham wafer crumbs do.
Jessica says
I've never tried but I would imagine it would work. You probably don't need to let it sit overnight if using graham cracker crumbs though because the reason you let it sit overnight is to let the graham crackers soften.
Frances Brokaw says
Can you email the recipe for the strawberry cake. Also I saw briefly that you use 1 box of vanilla instant pudding. What size pudding do you use? small or large.
Tamara Norbeck says
I use small box of pudding but I use the white chocolate pudding in place of vanilla and I have used nilla wafers and lady fingers
Blueberries are also good and really ripe peaches
chris says
i think using cream cheese flavored pudding would be divine and topping with some melted chocolate chips would be superb! a play on chocolate covered strawberries while also doing this dessert would be excellent!!!
Jessica says
That sounds awesome! I need to try that next time.
Louise says
I use soda crackers and other fruits. My first layer is soda crackers and topped with blueberries and another layer of crackers and sliced banana and spread cool whip with vanilla pudding and last layer of crackers and spread just cool whip and finish with slice strawberries, kiwi, and cantaloupe or leftover blueberries.
Always a favorite to any occasion.
t says
2-3.5 oz boxes of French vanilla pudding made according to the box, 1 big brick of cream cheese I think it is 8 oz or maybe 12oz and one normal size cool whip tub. I make the pudding up and then add the cream cheese to the mixer and mix until almost smooth then I I add the cool whip.
Carol Serna says
this looks so yummy.
herb says
Great recipes
nelda says
strawberry cake sounds so good got to try it.
wanna says
Love that cake
Sherry says
I use dream whip and the graham crackers but I put 3X more fruit. I put the fruit through my food processor so it is chunky and use slices on top.
Betty says
I will have to try this'' yum yum!!!!
paige says
try using angel food cake. its good too.
Mary says
Pls. Email the recipe to me. Thanks, it looks so yummy!
Carola says
Looking very tempting ! Awesome idea ! Will definitely try it this summer !
Tamara Sapp says
Please email me this strawberry cake recipe.
Jessica says
Sent! π
Judy Elliot says
Please email the strawberry icebox cake recipe to me.
Thanks! It looks delicious!
Jessica says
Done! π
Kathy Saunders says
May I get a copy of the strawberry Icebox cake sent to my e-mail also. Thank you.
Susanne says
Why would you use something as disgusting as Cool Whip? Stop the madness.
MICHAEL W. HOLBROOK says
DAYYYYYYYUMMMMM-YUMMMMM!!! HELLOOOOOOOOO SEXY BEAUTIFUL ICEBOX CAKE!!! I MUST EAT YOU RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jessie says
Oreos, of any flavor you like, make a nice substitute for the graham crackers...we used Golden Oreos, and it was wonderful! Regular Oreos work as well, since chocolate and strawberries also go great together. This is the only time of year I really attempt to make this recipe; the strawberries grown locally taste so much better than anything I can buy in the store, and they do this recipe the best justice π Thanks for such a wonderful dessert!
Tammy Burkhart says
Could you email the Strawberry Icebox Cake to me PLEASE !!! Looks so good!!! THANKS
Jessica says
Yes, done! π
Michelle says
Can I please have this Strawberry cake sent to my email pleasE
Jessica says
Done!
Diana Moe says
Please email me the strawberry icebox cake. It looks amazing. And can't wait to try it
Jessica says
Done!
Shirley burns says
Would you email me recipe for strawberry ice boxcake?
Jessica says
Sent it over!
ROSALIE DEMARTINO says
6/23/2015: I THINK WE HAVE ANOTHER WEEK OF STRAWBERRY'S HERE, SO I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRY THIS RECIPE. MY GUYS HERE JUST LIKE A SLICE OF ANGEL CAKE, LOAD OF BERRIES, AND WHIP CREAM, OR ICE CREAM. BEING A DIABETIC, IT IS A CUSTARD DISH PORTION. WE LIKE QUICK AND SIMPLE RECIPES BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY IMPATIENT WHEN IT COMES TIME TO FEED THEIR "TIGER".
Delores says
Does anyone know how to cook from scratch any longer? All I see here are strawberries and HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), chemicals and GMOβs.
You know, it is not that difficult to make your own cake and slice sideways into three sections, add some can sugar to organic heavy cream to make the whipped topping and add the strawberries. It is cheaper my way and wonβt kill you.
Jessica says
That's good to know.
Jenn says
How far in advance can I make this? Is 48 hours too far? Thanks!!
Jessica says
Nope! I usually make it the night before I am serving it, but the leftovers are still great for a few days so it should be fine! I would just top with the strawberries the day you are serving just incase they start leaking onto the top.
Sheila Powell says
Hi Jessica
I would love to try this . However could I also use some chopped pecans in this as well.
Will you please email me the recipe I will try this for Labor Day holiday thanks looks so so good .
Jessica says
Yes, you can add anything you want to this dessert! That's the beauty of it. π I would add them in with the strawberry layers. Just emailed the recipe!
Pat Rein says
Send your original ice box cake recipe!!!
Carolyn says
Something that an old boss of mine did is mix cool whip and cream cheese together. That is absolutely awesome and would be a wonderful change up for this recipe.
Jessica says
Yum! Sounds delicious.
Lisa says
Do I cover it in the fridge?
Jessica says
Yes. π
Tina Anderson says
Hi Jessica! Would you please email me your recipe for your strawberry icebox cake along with your recipe for your home made whip cream? Thank you and can't wait to make this! Thank you, Tina
Helen Seymore says
Love this recipe,think I will try
Jessica says
Enjoy!
Holly says
A bit of almond extract in one layer of cool whip, and sprinkle some sliced almonds that have been baked, on top!!
Jessica says
Yum!
Donna says
I made two for Fourth of July they were delicious! Everyone loved it!
Jessica says
That's so awesome! Thank you for letting me know. π
Amber says
For some reason I was only able to do the first thin layer, then two more layers. I have extra crackers, strawberries, and whip cream-- so I think I'm going to get some lemon instant pudding and try mixing that in with the cool whip... if you see this in time maybe you can give me some tips or tell me what you think! π
Amber says
Edit-- cool whip, not whip cream. π I'm going to try mixing THAT with lemon pudding.
Jessica says
Yum!
Lisa McClain says
Do you think frozen sliced strawberries, thawed, would work in this recipe? It would be much easier on my arthritic hands.
Jessica says
I don't think so, as frozen strawberries, when thawed are quite mushy. They will only get mushier wedged between the whipped cream.
Rochelle Gamliel says
Can you freeze this cake? Looks great and went strawberry picking yesterday.