No Bake Strawberry Shortcake (Printable)
Creamy layers of cream cheese, whipped cream, macerated strawberries and crunchy graham crumbs, chilled until set.
# What you'll need:
→ Strawberry Layer
01 - 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Cream Layer
04 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
→ Cookie Layer
08 - About 20 sheets graham crackers or vanilla shortbread cookies, crushed
→ Garnish
09 - Additional sliced strawberries (optional)
10 - Fresh mint leaves (optional)
# How to make it:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss gently and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes to draw out the juices.
02 - Using a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
04 - Arrange a layer of crushed graham crackers or cookies in the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Top with half of the cream mixture, spreading evenly, then layer with half of the macerated strawberries and their juices. Repeat with another layer of crushed cookies, remaining cream, and strawberries.
05 - Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight, to set and meld the flavors.
06 - Prior to serving, garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries and mint leaves as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- No need to watch the oven or heat up your kitchen—just layer, chill, and marvel at how quickly it disappears.
- The creamy filling and juicy strawberries meld together for a dessert that feels a bit luxurious, but comes together with pantry basics.
02 -
- I once rushed the chilling step, and the dessert just slumped onto plates—it truly needs time to set up.
- Lining the dish with parchment makes serving neater; my slices used to come out messy before I learned this trick.
03 -
- Never attempt this with frozen strawberries; they leak too much water and turn the layers soggy.
- I always chill the bowl before whipping cream—the difference in volume is remarkable.