Strawberry Ice Box Cake
Ingredients:
- Graham Crackers:
- 1 box (about 14.4 oz) of graham crackers.
- They come in sheets that can be broken into smaller pieces to fit your dish.
- Cool Whip:
- 1 tub (8 oz) of Cool Whip, thawed.
- You can use regular or Lite Cool Whip depending on your preference.
- Strawberries:
- 1 pint of fresh strawberries or equivalent frozen strawberries.
- Fresh strawberries should be hulled (remove the green tops) and sliced.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy layers.
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Knife and cutting board (for slicing strawberries)
- Large spoon or spatula (for spreading Cool Whip)
Instructions:
- Prepare Strawberries:
- Fresh Strawberries: Wash them thoroughly. Hull them (remove the green tops) and slice them into thin rounds.
- Frozen Strawberries: Thaw them according to package instructions. Drain them well to remove excess liquid.
- Layer Graham Crackers:
- Place a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
- You may need to break some crackers into pieces to cover the bottom of the dish completely.
- Spread Cool Whip:
- Using a spoon or spatula, spread a layer of Cool Whip over the graham crackers.
- Smooth it out evenly to ensure all crackers are covered.
- Add Strawberries:
- Place a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the Cool Whip. Arrange them evenly over the surface.
- Repeat Layers:
- Continue layering with graham crackers, Cool Whip, and strawberries.
- Repeat this process until you have used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of Cool Whip on top. Smooth out the final layer of Cool Whip with the spatula.
- Chill:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For best results, refrigerate overnight. This allows the graham crackers to absorb moisture from the Cool Whip and strawberries, making them soft and cake-like.
- Serve:
- After chilling, the dessert is ready to be served.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled. Garnish with additional strawberries if desired.
Tips:
- Alternative Fruits: You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches, or use a mix of fruits.
- Flavor Variations: Add a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
Enjoy this easy and refreshing dessert! 🍓🍰