Gluten-Free No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is the perfect gluten-free summer dessert recipe. Just 5 ingredients and make-ahead, too!
It’s been in the upper 90s (heat index wise, anyway,) for the past couple weeks and while I’m someone who’d sit outside until my blood starts to boil, even I have to admit it’s brutal out there. Not as brutal as summers at my parent’s house growing up though, where they had two rules once school let out:
- No TV. Literally canceled cable for three months. Not even worth jiggling our bunny ear antenna to try and watch scrambled episodes of Bozo the Clown each morning.
- No air conditioning until it reached 90 degrees. Inside the house. INSIDE. THE. HOUSE.
We were totally unplugged and, as much as we complained in the moment, I’m so glad they did what they did. Let me be clear – I’m so glad they canceled cable and shooed us outdoors every single day, NOT that they were so strict with the AC. Going to bed with fans blasting hot air 5 inches away from your face is not a good time. Viva central air!
As a result of my parent’s summer rules, my brothers and I left the house after breakfast, maybe stopped home for a quick lunch, but most days didn’t come home until dinnertime. Our days were filled with swimming, creek walking, trail exploring, bike riding, chalk drawing, bug collecting, and doing anything that didn’t involve sitting in a hot house staring at a blank television.
I’d like to think that Lincoln and our soon to be littlest one will have the same opportunities, but, I don’t know, while I trust our neighborhood and hope to teach our kids to be street smart, it’s not like it was back in the day. Do you agree, or am I being paranoid? Maybe when I have a 10 and 7 year old complaining they’re bored I’ll have a little less hesitation!
Anyway, today I’m sharing a recipe that reminds me of those simpler days. No frills, no fuss, just pure sweetness. Despite the lengthy name, Gluten-Free No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake calls for just five ingredients, no baking (did I mention how hot it is here?!) and is so easy your kids can even make it.
One of my family’s all-time favorite warm weather desserts is angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries, so this delightful little summer dessert is a nod to that. Layers of homemade whipped cream made from just three ingredients, fresh strawberries, and crispy gluten-free sugar cookies meld together in the refrigerator to create a rustic, creamy, and completely incredible summer dessert that your friends and family are going to devour. I could. not. love. it. more.
And hey! Looking for a 4th of July dessert recipe? Replace half the strawberries with blueberries and you’ve got a festive, crowd-pleasing option!
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake:
Start by making a batch of homemade whipped cream. Resist the urge to buy a tub. You can doo eeeet! Add 3 cups heavy whipping cream and 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla to the bowl of an electric mixer (or in a glass bowl if you’re using a hand mixer,) that’s been chilling in the freezer for at least 10 minutes then gradually add 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar while the mixer is on low. Turn the speed up as the cream thickens then whip until you have…whipped cream!
I’m telling you, there is NOTHING like homemade whipped cream – INFINITELY better than store bought! I’ll stop shouting now, but seriously you have to try this.
Spread a thin layer of whipped cream into the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish, then top with a layer of crispy sugar cookies (see below for the brand I used.) Next add another layer of whipped cream followed by 1/3 of 1-1/2lbs strawberries that have been trimmed then sliced. Repeat the layers – cookies, whipped cream, and strawberries – two more times to create three layers total. You might have a little whipped cream leftover, FYI.
Tip: Save the “prettiest” 1/3 of the strawberry slices for a nice presentation on the top layer!
These are the cookies I use by the way. Gluten-free Enjoy Life Sugar Crisp Crunchy Cookies soften beautifully in this dessert but still retain a little texture, which I love. You’ll need two boxes and you can usually find them in the gluten-free aisle at the grocery store. If for some reason you can’t find these exact cookies, any crispy sugar cookies should work or even graham crackers if you’re in a pinch!
Last step is to cover the dish with saran wrap then refrigerate overnight, or at least until the cookies have softened (6-8 hours.) When it’s time to eat, slice, serve, and enjoy the sweet and simple tastes of summer!
Chicken Fajita Cheeseburgers
10+ Father's Day Recipes Your Guy Will Flip ForGluten-Free No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake
Description
Gluten-Free No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake is the perfect gluten-free summer dessert recipe. Just 5 ingredients and make-ahead, too!
Ingredients
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2, 6oz packages Enjoy Life Sugar Crisp Crunchy Cookies
- 1-1/2lbs strawberries, trimmed and sliced
Directions
- Place the bowl of an electric mixer, or a large glass bowl if using a hand mixer, in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes. Fit electric mixer with the whipping attachment then add heavy whipping cream and vanilla to the chilled bowl. Whip on low speed while gradually adding powdered sugar then gradually increase speed as whipped cream thickens. Whip until cream can hold it's shape but is not lumpy.
- Spread a thin layer of whipped cream into the bottom of an 8x8" baking dish. Layer in 9 of the cookies, spread on another layer of whipped cream, and then top with 1/3 of the strawberries. Repeat layers - cookies, whipped cream, and strawberries - two more times to create three layers total (you might have a little extra whipped cream at the end.) Cover dish with saran wrap then refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, slice then serve immediately.
Notes
- I used Enjoy Life Sugar Crisp Crunchy Cookies for the cookie layer.
- Since the homemade whipped cream has no stabilizers, I recommend keeping the icebox cake in the refrigerator when not serving.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
More No-Bake Gluten-Free Desserts!
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Your childhood sounds just like mine. I grew up in a small town in Iowa and summer meant freedom to run around and explore. Playing outside with friends until it was supper time. I’m just starting to let my 6 year old outside in our yard by herself more, but I’m constantly looking out the window. We live in the same small town and while I feel safe here, it’s a different world and I can’t see my kids having as much freedom as we had when we were kids. It’s sad.
There is actually less crime now than ever! Abductions and such are down, it’s just with the 24/7 news cycle we are more aware than ever. Also, just saying…most abductions are from people the kids know! Stranger danger is a myth.
I just love this post! I grew up with a single dad who had to work all day. So he would drop us off at the pool at 8 for swim lessons and we stayed there until 5 playing gator charge, sharks and minnows, and perfecting our diving board techniques. Good times!
Heck yes! We used to dive for rings for literally HOURS on end!
Do you have a recommendation for sugar cookies that are not gluten free? Maybe just Hy-Vee sugar cookies? This looks delicious!
Hi Megan! I don’t have a specific brand recommendation for a non GF sugar cookie (just because I can’t eat them and haven’t tried,) but really any crisp vs soft/doughy sugar cook should work.
This looks so delicious! I just bought this brands snicker doodle cookies after your recommended them for my daughter and she LOVES them! Can’t wait to try this flavor cookie. I might add some blueberries in with the strawberry layers and serve this for the 4th of the July. Thank you so much for your delicious recipes.
Ahh, that is so great to hear! Yes, blueberries + strawberries = perfect for the 4th! :)
My husband and I were having this exact conversation last night! We lived out in the country and my parents let us ride our bikes 5 miles into town so we could get to the swimming pool (one of those miles was a busy paved county road!!) I couldn’t imagine letting my daughter do that now…but I do think it helped us learn more responsibility and to look out for each other. And we didn’t have air conditioning at all in our giant house-we slept outside a LOT! Wouldn’t trade those summers for anything :)
Hi! It says to chill the bowl of mixer, but if I have the ice-cream attachment for a kitchen aid, do you think that would work to make the whip cream? Thanks much!
Best,
EJ
Hi EJ! Unfortunately you need the whisk/whipping attachment to make this in an electric mixer. You could always use a hand-held mixer or go the old fashioned way and use a whisk!
Loving all of the simple, yet delicious, desserts right now! I refuse to turn my oven on when it’s 90 degrees out, so this is perfect!
Also, love that your parents cancelled your cable for the summer when you were growing up! What I wouldn’t give to go back to the easy going summers of yesteryear…
Tell me about it! Those were the days… :)
Another one of your recipes I am excited to try! Gotta get through this Whole30 program, though–two more weeks!
Gahhh, you are a stronger woman than I am! Hope it’s going well! :)
LOVE icebox cakes! They are so easy to pull together! This one takes full advantage of strawberry season and looks SO scrumptious!
Ohh how I love this dessert!! It’s so pretty and perfect for summer gatherings!!
This sounds and looks SO good!! Might have to try this out for an upcoming baby shower dish to share!
I read an article (don’t remember the source) that said statistically there are less abductions/crimes against children today than when we were growing up. The article said it might seem scarier today because of how in touch we are with the news. That being said, I still won’t let my kids have as much freedoms as I did as a kid. The cake looks great!
I think there’s something to be said about that – Amber Alerts, social media, etc didn’t exist when I was growing up so that makes a lot of sense!
For those that want to go dairy free, whipped coconut cream would be a great substitution? No?
Totally!
Summer freedom for kids might be possible if people would 1) teach their kids common sense and manners and 2) people learn to recognize REAL danger and mind their business when kids are just out playing or walking to parks or libraries without calling the police. The world is full of mommy bloggers who think they know how to parent better than anyone else. The sheer number of them is overwhelming compared to actual dangers out there.
This cake looks great! I am always looking for dessert recipes that don’t use eggs or nuts since my son is allergic. We tried the Enjoy Life cookies after I saw them in one of your posts a few weeks ago and they were a hit! Also, congrats on your article in the Wellmark magazine! It was fun to see your face on the cover when I pulled it out of the mailbox!
Ah, so great to hear he’ll be able to enjoy this dessert! :)
Strawberry shortcake is one of my favourites! This looks so great!!
I am a little confused. I just need to confirm that you keep it in the refrigerator and not the freezer?
Yep, in the refrigerator. :)
I’m pregnant and this looks delicious!
OOOOO…. I made one of these recently with a few changes. I used lady fingers in place of the cookies. I also mixed a tub of mascarpone with 1/2 jar of low sugar strawberry preserves for a middle layer. Love the simplicity of this dessert!!! I need to make another….soon.
I immediately pinned this recipe so I can bring it to our Father’s Day party this weekend! It looks delicious and since I’m the only Gluten Free eater that’s attending I always try and bring a new recipe for my family to try. I do have a question for you – I’m going to make this tonight but we won’t be eating it until Saturday evening, will it last that long in the fridge??
I can totally relate to your childhood – I’m a Midwest Wisconsiner and we biked, swam and rollerbladed all summer long! Makes me miss the days with no responsibilities!! : )
Awesome!! Nobody will know it’s gluten-free. The cake does hold up in the refrigerator (I’ve been eating a slice every night for the past 4 days (ha!) That said, the cookies do soften significantly every day. The whipped cream can be made several days ahead of time, so if it were me I’d prep everything either today or tomorrow then assemble on Friday night. I hope this helps!
Awesome, thanks for getting back to me!!
Looks yummy ! My sister loves strawberries and her birthday is coming, now I have an idea of what I’m going to make :D
I think this sounds wonderful!!!! one question—doesn’t vanilla extract contain gluten?
It shouldn’t, but nothing surprises me these days so you’ll definitely want to check labels. I use Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract: http://amzn.to/1tytJDN
This recipe looks delicious, but I just cannot believe the no A/C until it was 90 in the house. IN THE HOUSE?????? My parents were super old school with the no A/C growing up in Miami, but the did turn it on at night. I’m sure it was set at 78 on those nights. My husband grew up in St. Petersburg, FL with no A/C at all, ever. Their house did not have it. As a result, our A/C is always on when it is hot outside.
I kid you not! My older brother is forever changed by the experience – his AC goes on when his house reaches, like, 68 degrees!
This looks so good! Thanks for the recipe.
That looks positively divine. I’m sure I would find my sweetheart stealing licks from the side of the pan every few minutes! I know I’d want to! Nothing beats freshly whipped cream. I’ve never tried it with powdered sugar before. Great idea!
Definitely sending this recipe to my room mate who is gluten intolerant. Living with her made me realize how difficult that gluten free life can be so I’m sure she’ll appreciate this recipe!
Leah // http://www.sunmoonwars.com
This looks fabulous – I’m trying it!!
[…] and make the salad and we can pick up bread. I just finished making the dessert – tried this strawberry shortcake icebox cake recipe. Was very surprised that I couldn't find sugar cookies at the market. None. I ended up with a […]
Made this today with fresh-picked strawberries and it was delicious! We don”t need gluten free but I used the cookies anway to get an idea of what it should taste like-thanks for another great recipe, as always?
That’s awesome, and I’m so glad you tried the cookies! I think people hear “gluten-free cookies” and assume they’re going to be terrible, but I really (really) love those particular ones. Yum. :) Thanks for the feedback, Melony!
Can’t wait to try it!!! Your site is better than ANY recipe book! Everything I’ve made my family has loved and I love the pictures, step by step and all the other “extras” you put on your site with travel, etc. Thank you for blogging!
Thank YOU so much, Traci, for the kind words! Means a lot! :)
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We did the same thing on nearly every summer day. I remember only coming home when my stomach grumbled. It was the best! Hope my kids get this experience sometime too.
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Do you think Nilla wafers would work as cookie layer?
Thanks!
Definitely!
Love it but will it freeze for travel?
Hi Shirley! I haven’t tested it, but know that whipped cream can become watery once frozen then thawed, which is usually remedied by re-whipping, which wouldn’t be possible in this case. That said, I think you could transport it in a cooler with ice and it’d be just fine.
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What kind/brand of cookie would you recommend for non-gluten free?
Thanks.
You could try Nilla Wafers, though I’d still recommend these cookies even if you don’t need to eat GF – they are delicious!
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[…] Via iowagirleats.com […]
Reminds me of the icebox cake recipe my mom made with chocolate wafers! Unfortunately many of us gluten free folks also have a hard time with dairy products (cross reactive foods…bummer.) I have switched to dairy free alternatives. Think I’ll play around with this concept. Thanks for the yummy reminder of my childhood.
You could definitely try making this with homemade coconut whipped cream. OR, SoDelicious has a really great pre-made coconut whipped cream that would be fantastic!!
Best recipe ever. I substitute gluten free pound cake during Passover and Easter when I can find it on sale. A lot cheaper than the cookies. The whipped cream recipe is awesome. A must have. I’ll never use store bought again.
Right? Homemade whipped cream is such a game changer! So glad you loved the recipe, Nancy!
Can Cool Whip or another nondairy topping be used instead of the heavy whipping cream? Thanks!!
Yep! I’ve used SoDelicious Coco Whip in here before with great results.
What can I substitute for the sugar cookies. I can’t find them anywhere near me and wanted to make this for a picnic tomorrow. Would gluten free graham type crackers work?!
I think that could work! Something like the Kinnikinnick Gluten Free S’moreables Graham Style Crackers: http://amzn.to/2t6vrzN
UR Whipping Cream is not dairy Free????? What can i use to make it Dairy Free the cookies are so its not really a dairy free Recipe >>>>>.
You can use SoDelicious CoCoWhip to make this dish dairy free.
I made a more shallow cake and used extra ingredients in another pan.
Does this need to be refrigerated overnight before serving or will a couple of hours be enough? I want it tonight for dessert 😛
Haha I feel you! You could eat the dessert immediately – the time is just to let the cookies soften, so the longer they sit the better. :)