Memorial Day Icebox Cake (Printable version)

Chilled layers of whipped cream, graham crackers and strawberries for a festive, no-bake summer dessert.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy & Cream

01 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
02 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Cookies & Base

04 - 1 (14-ounce) box graham crackers

→ Fruit

05 - 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

→ Optional Garnish

06 - 1/4 cup blueberries
07 - Fresh mint leaves

# Directions:

01 - Chill the mixing bowl and beaters briefly, then whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
02 - Spread a thin, even layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to anchor the first layer of crackers.
03 - Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the whipped cream, breaking pieces as needed to cover the surface without large gaps.
04 - Spread one-third of the remaining whipped cream over the crackers, then distribute one-third of the sliced strawberries in an even layer.
05 - Repeat the sequence twice more: crackers, whipped cream, and strawberries, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream and arranged strawberries on top.
06 - For a festive presentation, scatter blueberries across the surface and tuck mint leaves among the strawberries as desired.
07 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to soften and bind for clean slices.
08 - Use a sharp knife chilled briefly under cold water for cleaner cuts; slice the chilled set layers and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The hardest part is waiting for it to chill, but the flavors meld so perfectly you'll be glad you did.
  • It comes together in less than half an hour and is endlessly adaptable to whatever fruit you have on hand.
02 -
  • If you rush the chilling, the crackers won’t soften into those perfect cake-like layers—it’s worth leaving overnight.
  • Once, I underestimated how juicy the strawberries were, and a quick blotting with paper towels made all the difference in keeping the cream thick.
03 -
  • Beat the cream just until firm—go much further, and it might turn grainy or buttery.
  • Layer the strawberries edge-to-edge for a gorgeous stripe in every slice.
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