Description
A delightful and easy dessert combining layers of cream cheese and fresh strawberries with graham crackers, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for macerating)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream or 8 ounces whipped topping
- 18 full sheets graham crackers
- Additional sliced strawberries (for garnish, optional)
- Crushed graham crackers (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries thinly. For a lightly sweet and syrupy texture, combine with granulated sugar in a bowl and allow to macerate for 10–15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until just blended.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese filling on the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.
- Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the cream.
- Evenly distribute one-third of the cream cheese mixture atop the crackers, followed by one-third of the strawberries.
- Repeat layering with graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries until ingredients are used, ending with cream cheese mixture and strawberries on top.
- Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow graham crackers to soften and flavors to meld.
- Adorn with extra strawberry slices, crushed graham crackers, or mint leaves just before serving. Slice gently and present chilled.
Notes
- For best results, make the cake a day ahead to enhance flavors.
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg