Looking for a delightful dessert to impress your guests at your next gathering? This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake recipe is a mouth-watering treat that combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese and strawberry ice cream, topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry mint garnish.
When hosting events like baby showers, kids’ parties, or birthday celebrations, surprise your guests with these creamy bites covered in dark chocolate. The secret to the melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in the whipped mixture of cream cheese and strawberry ice cream, complemented by the crunch of graham cracker crumbs and the juiciness of fresh strawberries.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
– Creamy Indulgence: Enjoy the luscious combination of cream cheese and strawberry ice cream.
– Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests with these bites that are quick and economical to make.
– Refreshing Flavors: The addition of fresh strawberries and mint adds a burst of freshness to each bite.
– Decadent Chocolate Finish: Dark chocolate coating elevates the overall flavor profile of these sweet treats.
Ingredients
– Crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 2 tbsp. sugar
– Frozen Cheese Base:
– 8 oz Canadian cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 8 cups strawberry ice cream
– Strawberry Mint Garnish:
– 2 cups cubed fresh strawberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
– Step 1: Prepare the Crust:
1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Press the crust into a springform pan and freeze for 30 minutes.
– Step 2: Create the Frozen Cheese Base:
1. Cream the softened cream cheese with sugar until dissolved.
2. Gradually mix in the strawberry ice cream until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture over the crust and freeze for 3 hours.
– Step 3: Make the Strawberry Mint Garnish:
1. Cook cubed strawberries with maple syrup, mint, and pepper in a saucepan for 5 minutes.
2. Allow the mixture to cool before serving with the iced cake.
Storage Options
For optimal freshness, store the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or an airtight container. When ready to serve, allow the cake to thaw slightly before slicing into wedges.
Variations and Substitutions
– Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the presentation by drizzling dark or white chocolate over the cake.
– Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top for added texture.
– Vanilla Twist: Substitute vanilla ice cream for a simpler flavor profile.
– Berry Medley: Mix different berries like raspberries and blueberries for a colorful garnish.
What to Serve With Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
– Freshly brewed coffee or tea
– Whipped cream on the side
– Mint-infused lemonade
– Chocolate-covered strawberries
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I use a different fruit for the garnish?
Yes, you can experiment with fruits like peaches or mangoes for a unique twist.
– Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept in the freezer until ready to serve.
– How long can I store the cake in the freezer?
The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to a week if wrapped properly.
– Can I use store-bought ice cream instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, store-bought strawberry ice cream can be used as a convenient alternative.
Upon serving the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake, your guests will be treated to a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The creamy and indulgent cream cheese base, paired with the sweet and tangy strawberry mint garnish, will leave everyone craving for more. Each bite offers a refreshing burst of fruitiness and a satisfying chocolaty finish, making it a dessert that’s bound to impress even the most discerning palates.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
Equipment
- Springform Pan
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Frozen Cheese Base
- 8 oz Canadian cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 8 cups strawberry ice cream
Strawberry Mint Garnish
- 2 cups cubed fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press into a springform pan and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Cream softened cream cheese with sugar. Mix in strawberry ice cream. Spread over the crust and freeze for 3 hours.
- Cook cubed strawberries with maple syrup, mint, and pepper in a saucepan. Allow to cool before serving with the iced cake.