No Bake Strawberry Shortcake (Printable View)
No-bake layered shortcake with macerated strawberries, whipped cream cheese and a crunchy graham base, chilled.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 - 20 sheets graham crackers or vanilla shortbread cookies, crushed
→ Assembly & Garnish
09 - Fresh sliced strawberries (optional, for garnish)
10 - Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Stir gently, then let rest for 10 to 15 minutes until juices develop.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
04 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until the blend is smooth and uniform.
05 - Place a layer of crushed graham crackers or cookies in the base of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Spread half of the cream mixture over the crackers, then top with half of the macerated strawberries and their juices. Repeat with remaining crackers, cream, and strawberries.
06 - Cover dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to allow layers to set and flavors to develop.
07 - Just before serving, optionally top with additional fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a vibrant finish.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You can whip this up in minutes, and it only gets better with a little patience in the fridge.
- The crunchy cookies and clouds of cream are a match made in dessert heaven that never lasts long in my house.
02 -
- Once, I rushed and used barely softened cream cheese—the result was a lumpy cream layer that wasn’t nearly as dreamy.
- Letting it chill overnight instead of just a few hours made all the difference; the cookies softened perfectly, and the flavors really married.
03 -
- Always use cold whipping cream—soft peaks form quickly, and the fluffiness holds up in the chill.
- Layer carefully and don’t rush the setting time; patience means each bite is perfectly soft and lush.