Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake

Featured in: Sweet & Salty Treats

This no-bake icebox cake blends lush whipped cream, tangy lemon juice, and sweet strawberries layered over graham crackers for a soft, chilled dessert. Preparation is simple—just mix, layer, and chill for foolproof results. The creamy filling pairs wonderfully with the fruity brightness and the soft texture developed after chilling. Enjoy each slice topped with fresh strawberries for added color and flavor, making it a delightful finish to any casual summer meal or party. Vegetarian-friendly and easy to prepare ahead.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:24:00 GMT
Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon zest.  Save
Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon zest. | williesnack.com

A refreshing and light dessert that combines the flavors of strawberry and lemon in a creamy, no-bake cake. Perfect for summer gatherings!

I remember trying this cake with my family last summer. Everyone loved the balance of tart lemon and sweet strawberries, and it disappeared quickly at our picnic!

Ingredients

  • Dairy: 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • Fruits: 1 cup strawberries (pureed), 1 cup strawberries (sliced for garnish), 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Other: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 package (14 oz) graham crackers

Instructions

Whip Cream:
In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Layer:
Spread a layer of the cream mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of graham crackers over the cream, then spread another layer of the cream mixture on top. Repeat layers, finishing with the cream mixture.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Garnish:
Before serving, garnish with sliced strawberries.
No-bake Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake enticing layers of strawberries and sweet cream.  Save
No-bake Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake enticing layers of strawberries and sweet cream. | williesnack.com

My kids enjoy helping layer the graham crackers and dipping strawberries for the garnish. It has become a go-to treat for our summer parties.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls and an electric mixer make preparation easy, and a 9x13-inch baking dish is perfect for accurate layers.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains dairy and gluten, so substitute gluten-free graham crackers if needed to accommodate allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 320 calories, 22 g total fat, 30 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.

Delicious Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake perfect for hot summer days and gatherings. Save
Delicious Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake perfect for hot summer days and gatherings. | williesnack.com

Bright, creamy, and easy to slice, this strawberry lemonade icebox cake will be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy your cool dessert!

Recipe Questions & Answers

How long does this dessert need to chill?

Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and easy slicing.

Can I use store-bought lemon juice?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice delivers brighter flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

Are there gluten-free graham cracker alternatives?

Yes, substitute with gluten-free graham crackers to suit dietary needs.

How do I get smooth, creamy filling?

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and whip the cream until soft peaks before folding together.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead?

It's ideal for making in advance, as chilling overnight improves texture and melds flavors.

Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake

Creamy layers of lemon and strawberry meet graham crackers for a cool, fruity dessert ideal for summer.

Prep time
20 min
0
Total duration
20 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 8 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly

What You'll Need

Dairy

01 2 cups heavy whipping cream
02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Fruits

01 1 cup strawberries, pureed
02 1 cup strawberries, sliced for garnish
03 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Other

01 1 cup powdered sugar
02 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
03 1 package graham crackers (14 ounces)

How to make it

Step 01

Whip the Cream: Using an electric mixer, vigorously beat the heavy whipping cream in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form.

Step 02

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth. Incorporate the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is homogenous.

Step 03

Combine Cream Mixtures: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring that the textures are fully integrated without deflating the cream.

Step 04

Layer Base: Spread an even layer of the cream mixture across the base of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 05

Assemble Layers: Arrange graham crackers in a single layer over the cream. Add another layer of the cream mixture atop the crackers. Repeat, alternating graham crackers and cream mixture, until all components are used, ending with a final layer of cream.

Step 06

Chill to Set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to set firmly.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Immediately prior to serving, evenly garnish the top with sliced strawberries.

Tools you'll need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy ingredients.
  • Verify gluten presence if substituting graham crackers.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 4 g