No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert (Printable)
Tender shortbread layered with creamy whipped filling and fresh strawberries—no oven needed for this luscious dessert.
# What You Need:
→ 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 mixture.
02 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and uniform.
04 - Arrange half of the cookies in a single layer covering the bottom of a 9 x 9 inch square dish.
05 - Spread half the cream mixture evenly over the cookie layer, then top with half of the macerated strawberries including their released juices.
06 - Repeat the layering process with remaining cookies, followed by the remaining cream mixture, and finish with the rest of the strawberries.
07 - Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows flavors to meld and cookies to soften to a cake-like texture.
08 - Garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired before serving. Slice into squares and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cookies transform into cake like layers while chilling, creating the most dreamy texture without any baking
- You can assemble it in the morning and forget about it until dessert time
02 -
- The cookies need time to soften from the strawberry juices, so do not rush the chilling step
- Fold the whipped cream in gently, overmixing will deflate the air and make the filling dense
03 -
- Ladyfingers create a lighter, more delicate texture if you want something less dense
- Line your dish with parchment paper overhanging the sides for easy removal