No Bake Strawberry Shortcake (Printable)
Crisp cookies, fluffy cream filling, and sweet strawberries stack into chilled layers of creamy perfection.
# Ingredient List:
→ Strawberries
01 - 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
→ Cream Layer
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
→ Base & Assembly
07 - About 30 shortbread cookies or vanilla wafer cookies
08 - Extra strawberries for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until they release their juices, creating a macerated fruit layer.
02 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until completely smooth and creamy.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
04 - Line the bottom of a 9 x 9 inch square dish with half of the shortbread cookies, arranging them in a single layer.
05 - Spread half the cream mixture evenly over the cookie base. Top with half of the macerated strawberries, including their released juices.
06 - Create a second layer with remaining cookies, followed by the remaining cream mixture, and finish with the rest of the strawberries and juices.
07 - Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and cookies to soften to a cake-like texture.
08 - Garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired. Slice into squares and serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get all the nostalgia of strawberry shortcake without turning on your oven or heating up your kitchen
- The cookies soften into cake-like layers overnight, creating the most dreamy texture that tastes like it took hours to make
02 -
- The chilling step is absolutely non-negotiable because those cookies need time to soften from crunchy into tender, cake-like layers that meld with the creamy filling
- Spread each layer gently and do not press down too hard or you will squeeze out all those precious strawberry juices that make each bite so incredible
03 -
- Spring for the good vanilla extract because it really shines in such a simple, creamy dessert without much to hide behind
- Line your dish with parchment paper overhanging the edges for easy lifting if you want neat squares instead of spooned servings