Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound cake, store-bought or homemade, sliced; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Inspiration

I absolutely adore making Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake during the warm months. It's incredibly easy to assemble and requires no baking, which is a huge plus for me. The combination of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and buttery pound cake creates a delightful treat that disappears quickly at gatherings. I love that I can prep this dessert in advance and let it chill in the fridge, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully. This cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously sweet way to enjoy strawberries at their peak.

Created by

Honoria Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:59:34.691Z

When I first tried making an icebox cake, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple yet impressive it turned out. Using pound cake instead of traditional layers allowed for a unique texture that holds up perfectly against the creamy whipped filling. The key is to let the cake chill long enough so the flavors can integrate, which makes each bite a delightful journey of sweetness.

After several attempts and variations, I discovered that using a mix of whipped cream and mascarpone cheese balances the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. It creates a luscious layer that complements the pound cake without overwhelming it. Trust me, your guests will rave about this dessert!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The freshness of ripe strawberries paired with rich creaminess
No bake, make-ahead dessert perfect for summer parties
Layers of flavor and texture that everyone can enjoy

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using fresh, ripe strawberries is crucial for achieving the best flavor in your Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake. Opt for strawberries that are deeply red, firm, and fragrant, as they will provide natural sweetness and a vibrant color that enhances both texture and taste. If you're not in strawberry season, consider using other berries like raspberries or blueberries, but ensure they are equally fresh to maintain that lovely burst of flavor.

The choice of pound cake also significantly impacts the overall quality of your dessert. While store-bought saves time, a homemade pound cake can elevate the dish with its buttery flavor and crumb. Look for a recipe that uses real butter and high-quality vanilla extract, as this can add depth to the cake layers. If you're short on time, you can even try a sponge cake for a lighter texture that still holds up well against the whipped cream.

Mastering the Whipped Cream Technique

When preparing the whipped cream filling, it's essential to start with chilled equipment. Pre-chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before whipping. This small step helps the cream whip up faster and stay stable longer. Whipping the mixture until stiff peaks form ensures that your cake layers have a rich, creamy texture that doesn’t collapse, maintaining beautiful layers once served.

Feel free to customize the whipped cream flavors to match your taste preferences. Adding a tablespoon of lemon zest can brighten the overall flavor, while a hint of almond extract can give a lovely nutty undertone. Remember to taste as you go and adjust sweetness with more powdered sugar if desired; this will personalize your cake to perfectly balance the tartness of the berries.

Chilling and Serving Tips

Chilling the Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is a critical step that allows flavors to meld beautifully. Though a minimum of 4 hours is recommended, allowing it to chill overnight can enhance the texture and flavor profoundly. This overnight rest ensures that the pound cake absorbs moisture from the whipped cream and strawberries, resulting in an incredibly soft and cohesive dessert that is easy to slice.

For serving, consider garnishing with additional strawberry slices or a sprig of mint to make your presentation visually appealing. I also love serving with extra whipped cream on the side for those who want a little more richness. If you're making this dessert ahead of time, it can last in the fridge for up to 3 days, but be sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

1 pound cake, store-bought or homemade, sliced
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

For the Whipped Cream Filling

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.

Instructions

Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Layers

In a 9x13 inch dish, lay half of the sliced pound cake at the bottom. Top with half of the whipped cream mixture and half of the sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers with the remaining pound cake, whipped cream, and strawberries.

Chill the Cake

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and to softening the cake.

Serve

Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your refreshing dessert!

For best results, let the cake sit overnight in the fridge.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add a layer of sliced bananas or a drizzle of chocolate before serving.

Variations and Flavor Combinations

While the classic Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is delicious, feel free to experiment with different fruits. Peaches, for example, pair beautifully with the creaminess of the filling. Simply swap half of the strawberries with equal parts sliced peaches for a unique twist that celebrates summer flavors in a whole new way.

For a chocolate lover's take, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the pound cake and whipped cream. Simply melt chocolate and cream together, let it cool slightly, and spread a thin layer before adding the strawberries. This extra layer not only introduces new flavors but also provides a beautiful contrast with the red strawberries against a darker backdrop.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for busy days. Once assembled, it requires only refrigeration, making it ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. Just ensure it is tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent any absorption of odors from your fridge, which can affect the taste of the delicate whipped cream.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored new well covered for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To keep flavors and textures as fresh as possible, avoid slicing until you’re ready to serve. After being cut, the exposed layers may dry out slightly, so consume within a day or two for the best experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely! Peaches, blueberries, or raspberries would work beautifully.

→ How long can I store the cake?

The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use a different type of cake?

Yes, sponge cake or angel food cake are great alternatives.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pound cake.