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This no-bake, easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is a favorite summer cake. It’s so simple: three layers of cinnamon honey graham crackers, French vanilla ice cream, soft and sweet whipped cream, and strawberry jam. To finish it off, add a generous topping of sweet whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This icy cold cake is creamy, extra berry-filled, and requires very little effort.
If this doesn’t tell you that I’m ready for summer, I don’t know what will. I love this simple but delicious cake so much – and it’s EASY! It’s basically just a layer of sweet graham crackers with ice cream, whipped cream, and lots of strawberry jam.
Originally, I wanted to share a strawberry icebox cake with you all today. But I didn’t actually take the time to fully understand that a strawberry icebox cake is usually made with strawberries and whipped cream, no ice cream.
I wanted ice cream, so instead of scratching the idea, I decided to combine the ideas: ice cream, whipped cream, and so many layers of strawberries + cinnamon graham crackers – yum!
Full disclosure, I did make my own homemade crackers and strawberry jam, which I think added to the yumminess here. But you don’t have to do that! Store-bought works great too.
My very favorite store-bought jam is Bonne Maman’s, I love their jams! But if you live in a town with a local farm stand, I’d pick up their jam. I imagine it is so good!
Anyway, very excited to share this recipe!!
OK, here are the details
Step 1: whip the cream
I whip my cream with sugar and vanilla until I have super soft peaks. Nothing fancy about this. I recommend using an electric mixer – unless you want a serious arm workout!
Step 2: assemble
Use your favorite box of graham crackers. Personally, I love the cinnamon honey flavor. Then, use your favorite French vanilla ice cream. Tillamook is my favorite.
Layer the graham crackers with the ice cream, whipped cream, and strawberry jam. Then, another layer of crackers, ice cream, and whipped cream, and finish with jam + 1 final layer of crackers.
Wrap the cake up and freeze until it is firm.
Step 3: cutting the cake
Okay, so here’s my trick: Cut the cake before you add the last dollops of whipped cream. I promise this will save you a lot of headaches and mess.
I cut my cake around each graham cracker into nine squares.
Step 4: topping
Top the cake with dollops of freshly whipped cream, jam, and fresh, sliced berries. You could totally add raspberries and blueberries, too. That would be festive!
Now, serve!
This cake is sweet, heavy on ice cream, swirled with berries, and has just the right amount of crunch on the bottom from those sweetened crackers. It has the perfect balance of sweet and salty that leaves you longing for another bite.
Can’t wait to make this all summer long. I love not only how easy it is but how pretty and delicious it turns out!
Looking for other Summer ice cream recipes? Here are some favorites:
No Churn Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Creamy Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pops
Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches
Lastly, if you make this Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Servings: 9
Calories Per Serving: 441 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 18-20 sheets cinnamon graham crackers
- 2 -3 pints vanilla ice cream
- 1 jar (12-16 ounce) strawberry jam
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- 1. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.2. Using an electric mixer, whip 1 cup of cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form.3. Layer the graham crackers in the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer with 1/2 of the vanilla ice cream, then spread over 1/2 of the whipped cream. Swirl the cream with 1/2 of the strawberry jam. Add another layer of graham crackers, the remaining ice cream, and whipped cream. Swirl with the remaining jam, reserving 2 tablespoons. Layer with crackers. Wrap the cake and freeze 4 hours or until frozen.4. Remove the cake from the freezer. Use the parchment paper to lift the cake out of the pan. Let sit 5 minutes, then slice into 9 pieces. Keep the cake together. 6. Whip the remaining 1 cup of cream with 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread over the cake. Swirl with jam and sliced strawberries. Serve and enjoy immediately.
I made for the first time with home made strawberry jam and cinnamon graham crackers. It was a huge hit! Will try making my own grahams next time. Thank you for this great recipe!
Hey Lori,
Fantastic! Thank you so much for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, glad to hear it was enjoyed! x
This was delicious, although it overflowed my pan during the second layer.
I do have to take exception to your photo where you’re serving this with strawberry halves that haven’t been hulled. Why? Just why?? Nobody would do this in real life.
Easy to make and tastes delicious! I only made 3 servings because I didn’t want a ton of leftovers but it was easy to slide the bar and it divides the ingredients for you. I love that feature.
Hey Jessica,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe, love to hear that it was a winner! Have the best weekend! x
I made this in a 9×13 pan with just one layer (graham crackers, ice cream, whipped cream, strawberry sauce, graham crackers). It was amazing and super easy. I used 1/2 gallon of ice cream and upped the cream to 1 1/2 cups. I also made the strawberry sauce from your Dutch baby recipe. Perfect for a summer birthday! Thank you!
Hey there,
Amazing!! Thanks so much for trying this cake and sharing what worked well for you! xT
The entire dinner party thought I was a magician when in reality this was the easiest dessert to make. Absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making this again. Thanks Teighan!
Hey Lex,
Fantastic!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I appreciate you giving it a try and your comment! x
How long will this hold up in the freezer? Could I make it 2 days before an event?
Hey Lindsey,
Sure, that would be just fine for you to do! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
I made it using vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers, ran out so I didn’t have a complete top of cookies, but it looks amazing
Hey Kim,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe! I hope everyone loves it:) Happy Friday! xT
Can I double the recipe and use a 9X13 pan?
Hey Brenda,
Totally, that should work nicely for you! I hope you love this cake! xT
Need recipe for graham crackers! I would love to try to make my own too!
Hey Stephanie,
You can find that recipe located here:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/smores-ice-cream-sandwiches/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Hi! Could you please let me know how many layers of graham crackers you use, 3 or 2? Bottom, middle, top or just bottom and middle? It is not a big deal but just wondering… I made it with 2 and it was absolutely delicious.
Hi Alicia,
Amazing!! Thank you so much for trying this recipe and your feedback, so glad it was enjoyed! It’s 3 layers of graham crackers:) xT
Thanks!