Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pound store-bought pound cake, sliced; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Sugar Bliss

I’ve always been a fan of desserts that aren’t just visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. This Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake captured my heart with its creamy layers of whipped goodness and sweet strawberries. As summer approaches, this cake has become my go-to treat for gatherings and family picnics. The best part? You don’t need to turn on the oven! Just layer, refrigerate, and enjoy a refreshing taste of summer that melts in your mouth.

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:09:35.750Z

Creating this Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake was a thrilling experience for me. I loved the combination of fresh strawberries with the lightness of whipped cream, making for a dessert that’s both tasty and beautiful. A key tip I discovered is to let the cake chill for at least four hours; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully, transforming it into a deliciously cohesive treat.

As I prepared this icebox cake, I noticed how easy it is to assemble compared to traditional cakes. The use of store-bought pound cake saves time while not sacrificing quality. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t recommend it enough for your next summer get-together!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Light and airy layers that create a delightful texture
Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor in every bite
No baking required, perfect for hot summer days

Perfecting the Whipped Cream

The whipped cream is truly the star of this Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake. To achieve the perfect texture, make sure your heavy whipping cream is very cold before you start. This will help it whip up fluffy and stable. You want to stop mixing when you see soft peaks that hold their shape but are not too stiff. Overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture, which is not ideal for our creamy cake.

If you're looking to add a little twist to the flavor, consider incorporating a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest into the whipped cream mixture. It can brighten the richness of the cream and enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake. Just make sure to balance it with the sweetness from the powdered sugar to prevent the filling from becoming too tart.

Layering Techniques

When layering the cake, it’s essential to ensure even distribution of both the whipped cream and strawberries. This allows every bite to be packed with flavor. Use a spatula to gently spread the whipped cream to the edges of the cake layers, ensuring that each layer is visible. Additionally, for the strawberries, try to arrange them in a single layer rather than piling them up. This creates a more visually appealing dessert and ensures that each layer remains balanced.

If you're planning to make this dessert in advance for a gathering, you can prepare the layers the day before. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the cake becomes even more refreshing as it chills. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent any absorption of odors from the refrigerator, which can affect the taste.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake:

Ingredients

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound store-bought pound cake, sliced
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

This simple list of ingredients is all you need to create a delightful treat!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to whip up your Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake:

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip!

Layer the Cake

In a 9x9 inch square baking dish or a similar size, layer half of the pound cake slices at the bottom. Spread half of the whipped cream over the cake, followed by half of the sliced strawberries.

Repeat and Chill

Repeat the layers with the remaining pound cake, whipped cream, and strawberries. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

Enjoy the wonders of your creation when it's fully chilled!

Pro Tips

To make your cake extra special, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the whipped cream for a zesty twist. Also, using chilled tools will help achieve fluffier whipped cream more easily.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is versatile when it comes to serving. For an elegant touch, consider adding a sprig of fresh mint atop each slice before serving. Not only does this enhance the presentation, but it also adds a refreshing hint of flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully. For an extra dose of indulgence, serve it with a side of extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

To take the cake to the next level, you could drizzle a homemade strawberry sauce over the top. Simply mash some strawberries with a bit of sugar and let them sit until they release their juices. This sauce not only enhances the strawberry flavor but adds a lovely, vibrant color to the dish, making it a stunning centerpiece for your summer gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy whipping cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. To achieve this, refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight and use only the solidified cream. This option provides a slightly different flavor profile but works beautifully in this cake, maintaining the luscious texture.

For those who may want to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute for the powdered sugar in the whipped cream. There are many alternatives available that can yield a similar texture and sweetness. Just be mindful of the baking properties and ratios, as some substitutes may have different sweetness levels or require adjustments in the amount used.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries work in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long will the cake last in the refrigerator?

The cake will last for up to 3 days in the fridge, but it's best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

→ Can I substitute the pound cake for something else?

Absolutely! You can use ladyfingers or sponge cake as alternatives.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pound cake. Just check the packaging to ensure it meets your dietary needs.