No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Delight

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is an easy, no-bake dessert that’s ideal for feeding a group. The blend of cheesecake-flavored pudding and sweetened condensed milk creates a filling that’s rich, smooth, and firm enough to slice neatly—more stable than whipped cream on its own. As it chills in the refrigerator, the graham crackers soak up the moisture from the creamy layers, transforming into a soft, cake-like consistency.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries
• 2 sleeves graham crackers
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant cheesecake-flavored pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 (12 oz) container whipped topping, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries and Base
Wash the strawberries, hull them, and slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Set aside. Line the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish with a single, even layer of graham crackers.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

Tip: If the cream cheese feels too firm, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften slightly. Starting with cold cream cheese can lead to small lumps that are harder to remove later.

Step 3: Incorporate the Pudding
Add both pudding mixes and the milk to the bowl. Mix on low speed for about 4–5 minutes, or until the filling becomes thick and well blended.

Step 4: Fold and Assemble
Carefully fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping until fully combined. Spread half of this creamy mixture over the graham crackers. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries evenly over the top.

Step 5: Build the Second Layer
Add another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries, then spread the remaining cream mixture evenly on top. Finish by arranging the remaining strawberry slices over the surface.

Step 6: Refrigerate
Cover the dish and chill for 6–8 hours. This step is important, as it allows the graham crackers to absorb moisture and soften into a cake-like texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top. Crush any extra graham crackers into crumbs and sprinkle them over the dessert for a bit of added crunch.