No Bake Strawberry Shortcake (Printable)
Chilled layers of macerated strawberries, cream cheese whipped filling and crushed graham crackers — served cold.
# What You 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 - 20 sheets graham crackers or vanilla shortbread cookies, crushed
→ Assembly & Garnish
09 - Additional sliced strawberries (optional)
10 - Fresh mint leaves (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes until the berries release their juices.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
03 - Using an electric mixer or whisk, whip the cold heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
04 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Arrange a layer of crushed graham crackers or cookies in the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Spread half of the cream mixture on top, then spoon half of the macerated strawberries and their juices as the next layer. Repeat layering cookies, remaining cream mixture, and the rest of the strawberries.
06 - Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
07 - Just before serving, garnish with additional fresh strawberries and mint leaves as desired. Serve chilled.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You barely need to plan ahead—it comes together quickly and only asks for some chill time.
- It&s a showstopper at gatherings and always seems to disappear first from the dessert table.
02 -
- Once, I rushed the chilling time and ended up with messy layers—patience is your friend here.
- Layering the strawberries while they&re still juicy infuses the cookies with extra flavor; don&t skip the juices.
03 -
- Whip the cream to just stiff peaks—overdoing it can lead to graininess in the cream layer.
- Lightly press the first cookie layer so it anchors, but don&t pack it down—some crumbs make each bite interesting.