No Bake Strawberry Shortcake (Printable Version)
Cream cheese and whipped cream layered with macerated strawberries and graham crumbs; chilled, no-bake shortcake.
# What You’ll 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
→ Biscuit Layer
08 - 7 ounces graham crackers or vanilla shortbread cookies, crushed
→ Assembly & Garnish
09 - Additional sliced strawberries (optional)
10 - Fresh mint leaves (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Allow to macerate for 10 to 15 minutes until strawberries are juicy.
02 - Using a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with an electric mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and airy.
04 - In a 9x9 inch baking dish, create a base layer using half of the crushed graham crackers or cookies. Spread with half of the cream mixture, then top with half of the macerated strawberries and their juices. Repeat the layering with the remaining cookies, cream, and strawberries.
05 - Cover the assembled dessert tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set properly.
06 - Just before serving, decorate with additional fresh strawberries and mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled for optimal texture.
# Quick Tips:
01 -
- You get all the sun-ripened fruitiness and creamy indulgence of a classic shortcake without any baking stress.
- It comes together fast, chills beautifully, and always vanishes before you expect.
02 -
- If you rush the chilling step, the layers won’t set and your scoops will look more like a sweet mess.
- Letting the strawberries rest in sugar makes their juices the star of every bite.
03 -
- Layer the dessert a few hours ahead so every bite is perfectly chilled and melded.
- Slicing the strawberries evenly means every spoonful has a sweet burst and no chewy bits.