Strawberry Icebox Cake

Strawberry icebox cake is a magical combination of strawberries plus cookies plus cream. What could be simpler or taste more like summer? Did we also mention this is a make-ahead recipe, so you can prep it, stick it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to go whenever you are?

The only problem with this dessert is that more traditional versions of strawberry icebox cake often call for plenty of sugar and plenty of cream. But, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to lighten this dessert up and make it healthier — without sacrificing the flavor one bit.

In this version, honey stands in for sugar, Greek yogurt replaces some of the cream, and homemade cookies offer a healthier alternative to store-bought ones.

A Few Cook’s Notes:

1. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

Don’t be put off if the directions for assembling this cake seem fussy, Rest assured, this dessert is truly easy to make and the extra steps are simply meant to ensure even layers and no air pockets. But if your patience runs out and you’re left with thicker or thinner or not-perfectly-aligned layers, it will be just as luscious, and all the cozier for having a rustic look.

2. Use healthier store-bought cookies.

If you don’t feel like making your own cookies, or don’t have time, use your favorite healthier store-bought cookies. You could use some version of graham crackers, wafers, or ladyfingers. Look for options that are low-sugar and avoid artificial flavors or preservatives.

3. Make it dairy-free with coconut cream.

If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, substitute coconut cream for regular whipped cream. Minimalist Baker has a tutorial, plus recommended brands.

SERVES

PREP TIME

00 min

COOK TIME

00 min

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

¼ cup coconut oil

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cake:

1 ¼ lbs. strawberries, hulled

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons honey

3 cups plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups heavy cream

Directions

Make the cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, stir together coconut oil, honey, water, and vanilla. Add honey mixture dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Turn the dough out onto a counter and gently bring it together into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chilled dough on a piece of waxed paper and top with a second piece of waxed paper. Roll dough into a ¼-inch-thick rectangle and cut into 3 ½-inch square cookies. Gather and reroll the dough scraps and cut 3 more cookies. (You may need to chill the dough before rerolling if your kitchen is warm.) Carefully arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until lightly browned and starting to turn crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cookies cool on baking sheet on a wire rack for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Make the cake: Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving a 3-inch overhang on all sides. Reserve 8 oz. of the smallest, most attractive strawberries; cover and refrigerate. Chop remaining strawberries and place in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon honey and gently mash.
In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat yogurt with remaining 10 tablespoons honey and vanilla until well combined. Add cream and beat until thick, about 2 minutes.
Spread about 1 ¾ cups of yogurt cream evenly in bottom of prepared loaf pan, making sure there are no gaps. Arrange 2 cookies on top—they should almost cover the yogurt with a border around all sides. Press gently on the cookies to eliminate any gaps. Carefully arrange half of strawberry mixture on top of cookies, leaving yogurt-cream border around edges. Spread about 1 ¾ cups of yogurt cream evenly on top of strawberry mixture, gently pressing down to fill in any gaps and taking care not to disturb strawberry layer. Top with a second cookie layer, followed by a second strawberry layer. Carefully spread remaining yogurt cream over the strawberries, gently pressing down. Top with a final cookie layer, gently pressing cookies into yogurt cream. Wrap the overhanging plastic wrap over cake, then wrap the entire loaf pan tightly in another layer of plastic wrap. Freeze overnight. (The icebox cake can be made up to 2 days in advance.)
When ready to serve, thinly slice reserved strawberries. Remove icebox cake from freezer. Remove outer layer of plastic wrap and lift overhanging plastic from top of cake. Invert cake onto a platter and carefully remove loaf pan and plastic wrap. Top with sliced strawberries, slice cake, and serve.

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Good food
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people together.
So do
good emails.

A Few Cook’s Notes:

1. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

2. Use healthier store-bought cookies.

3. Make it dairy-free with coconut cream.