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At the heart of any successful strawberries and cream dessert is the star ingredient: fresh strawberries. The flavor profile of strawberries is intricate, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness that is hard to resist. It’s essential to choose strawberries that are ripe, firm, and vibrant in color, as these attributes signify their freshness and flavor. When selecting strawberries, look for those with a bright red hue and a shiny appearance, as dull skin may indicate overripeness or poor quality.

Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake

Indulge in the nostalgia of strawberries and cream with the Strawberries & Cream Dream Delight. This delicious dessert features layers of fresh strawberries, light whipped cream, and a creamy filling nestled between sweet honey graham crackers. Easy to prepare yet stunning in presentation, it’s perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home. Learn about each key ingredient and steps to elevate your dessert game while delighting your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for strawberries)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

1 package (14 oz) honey graham crackers

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently toss the strawberries until they are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes, which will help the strawberries release their sweet juices.

    Make the Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed. Continue whipping until soft peaks form, being careful not to over-whip, as you want a light and fluffy texture.

      Mix the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a whisk or a hand mixer to ensure there are no lumps.

        Layer the Ingredients: Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and start building your dessert. Begin with a layer of graham crackers at the bottom. Spread a generous portion of the cream cheese mixture over the crackers, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Next, add half of the strawberry mixture on top, spreading it evenly.

          Repeat the Layers: Continue to layer the dessert by placing another layer of graham crackers, more of the cream cheese filling, and additional whipped cream. Use the remaining strawberry mixture as the final layer, gently spreading it over the top. For an extra touch, you can pipe dollops of whipped cream on top as decoration.

            Chill the Dessert: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, cut the dessert into squares and serve. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this dreamy dessert, which is perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours | Servings: 4-6