Strawberry Icebox Cake: the Easy No-Bake Recipe for a Quick, Creamy Dessert for Spring Times!

With the arrival of the heat, what is needed is a fresh dessert, to be enjoyed to better tolerate the high temperatures: the Strawberry Icebox Cake is easy to prepare and very good. To prepare it you need to create a base with crushed biscuits, chopped strawberries, icing sugar and strawberry yogurt; then you let it cool in the fridge, whip the cream and add it as a topping, before cooling again. Before serving, then, you decorate the cake with fresh, sliced strawberries.

What is An Icebox Cake?

An icebox cake is a no-bake dessert that became popular in the United States during the early 20th century, named for the "icebox," a common household appliance before modern refrigerators became the norm. These cakes are typically made by layering cookies, crackers, or wafers with whipped cream or pudding and allowing them to sit in the refrigerator (formerly the icebox) until the layers meld into a cake-like consistency. The moisture from the cream softens the crisp layers, resulting in a decadent, cakey texture.

The strawberry icebox cake, is a delightful variation that incorporates fresh strawberries and strawberry yogurt, adding a refreshing and fruity twist to the traditional dessert. This dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings as it's cool, refreshing, and requires no oven use, keeping the kitchen comfortable on hot days.

Can I Put Fresh Strawberries in the Middle of the Cake?

Yes, it's perfectly okay to put fresh strawberries in the middle of the icebox cake. Adding fresh strawberries between layers will not only enhance the flavor with their juicy, sweet taste but also add a lovely texture contrast to the soft biscuits and creamy layers. Incorporating fresh strawberries within the cake can help intensify the strawberry flavor throughout the dessert, making it even more delightful. Just ensure that the strawberries are evenly distributed and sliced or chopped to a size that complements the layer thickness, so every bite has a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Can I Use Frozen or Canned Strawberries for this Icebox Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen or canned strawberries in an icebox cake, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind for each option. Frozen strawberries can work well, especially if fresh strawberries aren’t in season. However, frozen strawberries contain more moisture than fresh ones due to the freezing process. It’s best to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to your cake to prevent soggy layers. Frozen strawberries might be softer than fresh, which could change the texture slightly, but they still offer a strong strawberry flavor.

Canned strawberries are another viable option, typically packed in syrup or their own juices, which can add additional sweetness and moisture to the cake. Like with frozen strawberries, it's a good idea to drain the excess liquid from canned strawberries to avoid making the dessert too wet. The texture of canned strawberries tends to be much softer than fresh, which could affect the overall feel of the cake layers.

How Long Will Fresh Strawberries Last in My Icebox Cake?

Strawberries in an icebox cake will typically remain fresh for about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Fresh strawberries release moisture which might make the cake layers soggy over time, and while the flavor of the cake may initially benefit from the strawberries melding into the other ingredients, both the texture and taste of the strawberries will deteriorate after a few days. For the best results, prepare the cake close to when you plan to serve it, and store it in an airtight container to maintain its quality.

What Are The Best Biscuits for This Icebox Cake?

Grahams crackers or digestive biscuits are excellent choices due to their mild flavor and sturdy texture, which hold up well against the moisture from the cream and fruit. Ladyfingers are another fantastic option, particularly if you prefer a softer, more sponge-like layer in your cake. These biscuits absorb flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.

Can I Make This Icebox Cake the Day Before?

Yes, making this strawberry icebox cake a day before you plan to serve it is not only possible but often beneficial. Preparing it ahead of time allows the biscuits to fully soften and absorb the flavors from the cream and strawberries, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the cake. Overnight refrigeration gives the layers sufficient time to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dessert. Just ensure to cover it well in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any other flavors.

Tips for The Best Strawberry Icebox Cake

• Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Choose high-quality biscuits that won't become too soggy when moistened.
• If using fresh strawberries, make sure they are cleaned, hulled, and sliced uniformly. This not only ensures they blend well with other ingredients but also presents beautifully when serving.
• When assembling the cake, take care to distribute the strawberry, yogurt, and biscuit mixture evenly in the pan before chilling. This helps create uniform layers that are visually appealing and stable.
• Allow sufficient chilling time after assembling the base and again after adding the whipped cream layer. This helps the cake set properly and makes it easier to slice.
• Ensure that the cream is whipped to stiff peaks before spreading it over the base. This keeps the layer firm and helps maintain the structure of the cake as it sets.
• Decorate with fresh berries just before serving to maintain their freshness and vibrant color. This adds a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the cake.
• Store the cake in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.

More Icebox Recipes You Will Love!

Lemon Icebox Pie 

Icebox Cookie Cheesecake

Cappuccino Icebox Cake

Icebox Cookie Cake

How to Store Strawberry Icebox Cake

This strawberry icebox cake is best stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge. The cake will stay fresh and tasty for about 2 to 3 days. As for freezing, while technically possible, freezing this particular type of icebox cake is not recommended.

How to Prepare Strawberry Icebox Cake

Chop the biscuits and add them to a large bowl.

Add the chopped strawberries.

Then, add the powdered sugar and the strawberry yogurt. Mix together until they're well melded.

Press into a 7 inches round baking pan, and lay them evenly.

Chill the base for 2 hours, at least.

Once the two hours are up, whip the full-fat cream until stiff peaks form.

Spread it over the base, forming an even layer with a spatula. Chill for at least another hour, or even overnight.

When you're ready to serve, decorate the sides of the cake with sliced, fresh strawberries.

Decorate also the top of the cake with the fresh strawberries.

Enjoy!