No Bake Strawberry Shortcake (Printable version)
Creamy layers of whipped cream cheese, juicy 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
→ Biscuit Layer
08 - 7 ounces graham crackers or vanilla shortbread cookies, crushed (about 20 sheets)
→ Garnish
09 - Additional sliced strawberries (optional)
10 - Fresh mint leaves (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes until the berries release their juices.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated.
04 - Spread half of the crushed graham crackers or cookies in the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Layer with half the cream mixture, followed by half the macerated strawberries and their juices. Repeat with remaining cookie crumbs, cream, and strawberries.
05 - Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set fully.
06 - Top with additional fresh strawberries and mint leaves before serving if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- You don’t need to bake a thing, so the kitchen stays blissfully cool even on sweltering days.
- The blend of juicy strawberries and airy, tangy cream wins over even the strongest dessert skeptics.
02 -
- Rushing the chilling step leaves you with a loose dessert that won’t slice—patience makes it scoop or slice perfectly.
- Swapping cookie types can totally change the mood and texture—graham crackers give a familiar crunch, while shortbread feels fancier.
03 -
- Use a glass dish if you have one—it showcases the lovely layers and tempts everyone at the table.
- Beat the cream cheese fully before folding in the whipped cream to keep things ultra-smooth.