Quick Description
This High-Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake is a dreamy, no-bake dessert made with layers of fresh strawberries, graham crackers, and a rich cheesecake-style cream filling. It’s cold, creamy, lightly sweet, and perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want an easy dessert without turning on the oven.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 10–12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: ~6 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds strawberries, sliced
- 2 sleeves graham crackers
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant cheesecake-flavored pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 1 (12 oz) carton Cool Whip, divided
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.
Add pudding mix and milk. Beat for 2 minutes until thick and creamy.
Fold in half of the Cool Whip gently.
3. Assemble the Cake
In a 9×13-inch dish:
- Layer graham crackers on the bottom
- Spread ⅓ of the cheesecake filling
- Add sliced strawberries
- Repeat layers two more times
Finish with remaining Cool Whip on top.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best texture.
5. Serve
Slice and serve cold.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 390
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 36g
Benefits
- High-Protein Dessert – from cream cheese, pudding & milk
- No-Bake – perfect for hot days
- Fresh Fruit – strawberries add natural sweetness
- Make-Ahead Friendly
- Great for Parties
Additional Notes
- Use low-fat cream cheese & light Cool Whip for lighter version
- Add vanilla extract for extra flavor
- Works great with blueberries or mixed berries
- Graham crackers soften beautifully overnight
Dietary Info
High-Protein: ✅
Vegetarian: ✅
Gluten-Free: ❌ (unless using GF crackers)
Low-Carb: ❌
Keto-Friendly: ❌
Brief Introduction
Icebox cakes are classic for a reason. They’re easy, refreshing, and always a hit. This strawberry cheesecake version combines creamy filling with juicy fruit and soft cookie layers for the ultimate chilled dessert.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Slice strawberries
- Mix cheesecake filling
- Layer crackers, filling & fruit
- Top with Cool Whip
- Chill
- Serve cold
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Strawberries:
Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed & drained) works.
Cool Whip:
Can substitute homemade whipped cream.
Pudding Mix:
Vanilla pudding works if cheesecake flavor unavailable.
Graham Crackers:
Can substitute vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Chocolate strawberry version (add chocolate drizzle)
- Mixed berry cheesecake cake
- Lemon cheesecake version
Serve With
- Extra strawberries
- Chocolate syrup drizzle
- Mint garnish
- Coffee or iced tea
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: up to 4 days
Freeze: not recommended (texture changes)
FAQs
Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes, it’s even better the next day.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely.
Can I use vanilla pudding instead?
Yes, cheesecake flavor is optional.
Optional Personal Story
This is one of those desserts I make when I need something guaranteed to impress without stress. It disappears fast every single time.
