Strawberry Icebox Cake has layers of shortbread cookies, a creamy Cool Whip cheesecake pudding filling, and juicy fresh strawberries.

 Strawberry Icebox Cake has layers of shortbread cookies, a creamy Cool Whip cheesecake pudding filling, and juicy fresh strawberries.

This no-bake dessert uses simple ingredients are pretty straightforward and you probably have them in the pantry just waiting to make a sweet treat like this one. Perfect during the summer months but can be enjoyed all year long!

Why This Recipe Works

This No Bake Strawberry Dessert satisfies any sweet tooth young or old, especially on those hot summer days just like this Lemon Icebox Cake. 

Ripe strawberries freshly picked from the patch during strawberry season make for the perfect summer dessert. This recipe is a great way to use your favorite fruit.

Ingredients for the Easiest Dessert

• Cream cheese: for the best creamy and smooth filling, use full fat cream cheese and make sure it comes up to room temperature before using.
• Instant cheesecake pudding: if you can't find this, use instant vanilla pudding mix instead. I know Wallmart has it and Amazon. Do NOT use Cook N Serve Pudding.
• Vanilla extract:
• Half n half: You can make half n half by just mixing 1/2 heavy whipping cream and 1/2 whole milk.
• Cool Whip: that creamy whipped topping combines with the cream cheese, pudding, and half and half to make the ultimate creamy filling. Instead of Cool Whip, you can use homemade whipped cream if desired. 
• Diced strawberries: I prefer fresh fruit over frozen for this recipe. 
• Lorna Doone cookies: more options in the FAQ section

How To Make Strawberry Icebox Cake

• Step 1: Add softened cream cheese into a large bowl and beat with electric mixer until smooth. 
• Step 2: Add pudding mix and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix. 

• Step 3: Carefully add the half and half and mix. 
• Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. 

• Step 5: Spread the creamy layer across the bottom of the pan.
• Step 6: Place a layer of strawberries on the creamy layer.
• Step 7: Add a layer of cookies. 
• Step 8: Repeat the layers until you reach the top layer of the cream mixture and garnish with cookie crumbs and more strawberries before covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating.

Recipe Tips

• Since this requires at least 6 hours in the fridge, it's an easy dessert to make ahead of time. 
• Add a bit of texture and change the flavor of this a bit by adding some chocolate chips or chopped nuts. You can even try some broken pretzel pieces to bring some Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad vibes ot this summer dessert.
• Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. The longer this sits, the faster it breaks down and changes texture.