My Strawberry Icebox Cake has been saving my sanity these last few summers when the girls are running around like crazy people in the backyard and I’m trying not to melt in this heat.

With Memorial Day coming up (how is it already here?) I needed something I could throw together that would compliment all my side dishes.

You know those days when turning on the oven feels like actual torture? This no-bake dessert is the answer to all your summer dessert problems.

It takes like 15 minutes to put together then the fridge does all the work for you.

Trust me my youngest declared it “better than ice cream” I knew we had a winner and my husband actually texted me from work asking if there was any left when he gets home tommorrow.

Here’s the quick and easy no bake strawberry icebox cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What You’ll Need for My No-Fuss Strawberry Icebox Cake:

Fresh strawberries (I buy the big container from Costco)
Graham crackers (the middle child always steals a few so maybe hide an extra sleeve)
Cool whip (or whipped topping if you’re fancy)
Cream cheese softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Lemon for zesting (optional but adds a little something)

How to Make This Super Easy Strawberry Icebox Cake

Step 1: First take your cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting (I always forget this step and end up with lumps).

Step 2: Wash and slice most of your strawberries keeping a few pretty ones whole for the top.

Step 3: In a big bowl beat the softened cream cheese until smooth then add the powdered sugar and vanilla. My youngest loves helping with this part but beware of sugar clouds everywhere.

Step 4: Fold in the cool whip gently. Don’t overmix or it gets weird and runny.

Step 5: Grab a 9×13 baking dish (I use my glass Pyrex that’s seen better days).

Step 6: Put a thin layer of the cream mixture on the bottom of the dish.

Step 7: Layer graham crackers to cover the bottom breaking some to fit if needed.

Step 8: Spread another layer of the cream mixture then add a layer of sliced strawberries.

Step 9: Repeat the layers: graham crackers cream mixture strawberries.

Step 10: End with a final layer of the cream mixture on top.

Step 11: Decorate with the whole strawberries you saved.

Step 12: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours but overnight is way better. The graham crackers need time to soften up.

The hardest part is keeping everyone from sneaking bites before its ready!

My middle daughter has been caught multiple times with a spoon and a guilty look.

No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake Recipe

This icebox cake is literally the easiest thing you’ll make all summer and perfect when its too hot to even think about turning on the oven.

The best part is you can make it the night before while the kids are sleeping so its one less thing to worry about during your actual bbq.

It pairs amazingly with anything grilled (we had it after burgers last weekend) and the red strawberries make it look festive for Memorial Day or Fourth of July without having to do any fancy decorating.