Description
This refreshing no-bake dessert transforms simple graham crackers and fresh strawberries into a luscious, cake-like treat. Perfect for hot summer days, this easy-to-assemble loaf pan cake features layers of creamy cheesecake filling and airy whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 12 graham cracker sheets (approximately 1 1/3 sleeves)
Instructions
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Place your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill.
- In the chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed. Once it thickens, add 1/2 cup of confectioner’s sugar and the cream of tartar, whipping until stiff peaks form. Set aside 2 cups of this cream for the filling and refrigerate the rest.
- Prepare the strawberries by slicing them vertically into thin pieces, reserving a few whole berries for a final garnish.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth. Mix in the remaining 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar and the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the 2 cups of reserved whipped cream until fluffy.
- Place a third of the sliced strawberries in the bottom of the pan. Spread one-third of the cream cheese mixture over them, then add a layer of graham crackers, breaking them to fit. Repeat these layers two more times.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, flip the cake onto a platter, remove the lining, and frost with the remaining chilled whipped cream before garnishing with extra berries.
Notes
For the best results, ensure the cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for at least two hours to prevent lumps in your filling. If you are preparing this for a party, making it a full 24 hours in advance allows the graham crackers to absorb the maximum amount of moisture for a perfect cake-like texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American