This strawberry shortcake icebox cake is a quick and simple no-bake dessert that is refreshing for summer. Store-bought pound cake sliced and topped with macerated strawberries and homemade whipped cream. The strawberries are thinly sliced and tossed with sugar so they create a sweet syrup that soaks into the pound cake beautifully!
You can definitely make a homemade pound cake or simple vanilla cake for this recipes, but many of you have asked for elevated recipes using store-bought shortcuts! I thought about using a strawberry jam in between layers, but the natural syrup from the strawberries is much better and doesn’t require an extra ingredients.
you might also like this no-churn Oreo ice cream or my key lime pie milkshake! Find all of my chilled dessert recipes here for more inspiration.
Why This Is A Hit
- No-bake: store-bought pound cake and whipped cream do not require baking making this a quick summer treat!
- Store-bought shortcuts: grabbing a premade cake turns this into a super quick dessert, if needed use cool whip instead of homemade whip.
- Cool & refreshing: frozen strawberries and chilled whipped cream make for a refreshing frozen treat.
- Simple ingredients: you only need 6 simple ingredients for this icebox cake.
- Kid friendly: both adults and kids will enjoy this perfectly sweet dessert.
Icebox Cake Variations
- Mixed Berry: use a mix of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries!
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberry: add a thin layer of melted chocolate between layers and top with dipped strawberries.
- Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu: use lady fingers dipped in strawberry syrup for a fun spin.
- Coconut Strawberry: add in layers of toasted cocoanut and top with additional coconut.
Ingredients Needed
- Pound cake: store-bought or homemade will work, slice this evenly to keep layers even. I use three slices per layer.
- Cream: heavy whipping cream is a must, don’t use half and half or milk – these don’t whip the same. Cool whip can be submitted in a pinch.
- Strawberries: fresh or frozen strawberries will work – if using frozen left them thaw and discard any liquid.
- Sugar: granulated white sugar is used to macerate the strawberries and powdered sugar is used for the whipped cream.
How To Make The Icebox Cake
Let’s talk a little about how to make the Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake (No Bake Summer Dessert) (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Quick overview:
- Combine strawberries and sugar.
- Whip cream. Slice pound cake.
- Layer pound cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.
- Freeze until set, slice, and enjoy!
- In a large bowl combine sliced strawberries and granulated sugar, mix to combine and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Stir often until strawberries have created a sweet syrup.
- In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment whip heavy cream on high until stiff peaks begin to form, 5-6 minutes. Add in the powdered and vanilla, mix to combine.
- Take a loaf pan or similar sized dish and start with a layer of pound cake, use three slices per layer. Top with a layer of the strawberries, spoon over some of the syrup as well. Top with a layer of fresh whipped cream, make sure all edges are covered, Repeat the process two more times until everything has been used. Extra whipped cream and strawberries can be used for serving if desired.
- Cover and freeze for 2-3 hours or until set. Slice and serve immediately with leftover whipped cream/berries and a drizzle of the strawberry syrup or fresh berries.
Tools I Recommend
- Electric Hand Mixer – This is the hand mixer I use to whip the heavy cream.
- Metal Pan – I use this for freezing the icebox cake, it’s gets super cold and helps the process go quicker.
- Rubber Spatula – a must have! I like these because they don’t come apart so I don’t have to worry about water getting inside the spatula and causing mold.
- Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set – I love this set of nesting bowls. I use them for everything, Pyrex glass does not break easily so you can trust on these bowls for years, plus they come in 3 useful sizes and can be stacked!
Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake (No Bake Summer Dessert)
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh strawberries, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 1 store-bought Pound cake, sliced into 9 slices
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine sliced strawberries and granulated sugar, mix to combine and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Stir often until strawberries have created a sweet syrup.4 cups Fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment whip heavy cream on high until stiff peaks begin to form, 5-6 minutes. Add in the powdered and vanilla, mix to combine.2 cups Heavy cream , 3/4 cup Powdered sugar , 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- Take a loaf pan or similar sized dish and start with a layer of pound cake, use three slices per layer. Top with a layer of the strawberries, spoon over some of the syrup as well. Top with a layer of fresh whipped cream, make sure all edges are covered, Repeat the process two more times until everything has been used. Extra whipped cream and strawberries can be used for serving if desired.1 store-bought Pound cake
- Cover and freeze for 2-3 hours or until set. Slice and serve immediately with leftover whipped cream/berries and a drizzle of the strawberry syrup or fresh berries.
Nutrition
If you enjoyed this recipe, I would appreciate if you left a star rating on the recipe card above or a comment below sharing your experience! I value your feedback, it would also mean a lot if you could share this recipe or my website with friends or loved ones. Cheers!
Recipe FAQs
An icebox cake is a no-bake dessert made by layering cookies or cake with whipped cream or pudding, then chilling it in the fridge until the layers meld into a soft, cake-like texture.
Yes! Icebox cakes are perfectly for making ahead, great to eliminate some stress from gatherings and parties. It’s best to chill for at least 4–6 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best texture and flavor.
No, you do not need to use pound cake! While pound cake adds a rich, buttery layer, you can also use ladyfingers, shortbread, or graham crackers.
Homemade whipped cream is best, but you can also use store-bought whipped topping for a shortcut!
More Fun Frozen Treats
If you like this layered strawberry icebox cake, you’ll love these other sweet, refreshing treats!
