The Story & Introduction
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, Christmas in our house always meant sweet treats that didn’t require hours in the kitchen. One of my favorite memories is helping my grandmother layer simple ingredients into a chilled dessert while singing holiday songs. This No-Bake Strawberry Christmas Icebox Cake reminds me of those magical moments the cold, creamy layers, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the joy of sharing something simple yet special with family.
I love recipes that are fuss-free but still festive, and this icebox cake fits perfectly. Soft, slightly crunchy graham crackers alternate with creamy, whipped snow-cream and fresh strawberries, creating a dreamy layered dessert that’s visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Even kids can help assemble it, making it a fun family activity.
No baking required means less stress and more time to enjoy the holiday spirit. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of strawberry tang. This icebox cake is an effortless way to impress guests and create memories, one chilled layer at a time.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Snow-Cream
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cake Layers
- 2 packs of graham crackers
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: strawberry jam for extra sweetness 🍓
For Decoration
- Powdered sugar for snow effect ❄️
- Whole strawberries 🍓
- Optional mint leaves 🌿
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Whipped Snow-Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Assemble the Icebox Cake
- Line a rectangular or square baking dish with parchment paper.
- Place a single layer of graham crackers at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread a layer of whipped snow-cream over the crackers.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries evenly over the cream.
- Repeat layers (graham crackers → cream → strawberries) until you reach the top of the dish. Finish with a thick layer of whipped cream.
Chill
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften into cake-like layers and the flavors to meld.
Decorate
- Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar to resemble snow ❄️ and arrange whole strawberries and optional mint leaves on top for a festive look.
Serving Suggestions
Slice into squares and serve chilled. Pair with a cup of hot cocoa, festive tea, or a sparkling holiday drink. Perfect for Christmas morning, holiday potlucks, or a light dessert after a hearty meal.
Tips for the Perfect Icebox Cake
- Use fresh, firm strawberries for best texture 🍓
- Chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for fully softened layers ❄️
- Spread cream evenly to prevent cracking when slicing
- Optional: Add a thin layer of strawberry jam for extra sweetness
Recipe Card 🥳
TIME ⏱️
- Prep: 20 min
- Chill: 4–6 hrs or overnight
- Total: 4 hr 20 min
INGREDIENTS 🛒
- Heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla
- Graham crackers
- Fresh strawberries
- Optional: strawberry jam, mint leaves
INSTRUCTION 👩🍳
- Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla.
- Layer graham crackers, cream, and strawberries.
- Repeat layers, finish with whipped cream.
- Chill 4–6 hours, decorate with powdered sugar & strawberries.
NOTE 💡
- Chill overnight for best results
- Use fresh strawberries for flavor and color
- Optional jam layer adds sweetness
NUTRITION 🥗
- Calories: 220 per slice
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
This No-Bake Strawberry Christmas Icebox Cake is a festive, effortless dessert that combines creamy whipped layers, soft graham crackers, and fresh strawberries. It’s simple to assemble, visually stunning, and perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties. From my kitchen in Crete to yours, this cake brings joy, memories, and holiday magic with every bite. Even without baking, it feels special and indulgent a perfect treat for busy holiday days.