No Bake Strawberry Shortcake (Printable)

Layers of buttery cookies, creamy whipped filling, and juicy fresh strawberries make this chilled dessert irresistible.

# What You’ll 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)

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 10–15 minutes until strawberries release their juices, stirring occasionally.
02 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
03 - In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Do not overwhip.
04 - Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain. The filling should be light and airy.
05 - Arrange half of the shortbread cookies in a single layer in the bottom of a 9 x 9 inch square dish, breaking cookies as needed to fit.
06 - Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over the cookie layer. Top with half of the macerated strawberries, including their juices.
07 - Create a second layer with remaining cookies, followed by remaining cream mixture, and finish with remaining strawberries and juices.
08 - Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This allows cookies to soften and flavors to meld together.
09 - If desired, garnish top with additional fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries. Cut into squares and serve cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cookies soften into cake like layers while the strawberries get syrupy and sweet
  • Zero oven time means your kitchen stays cool even in July heat
02 -
  • The chilling time is not optional because the cookies need that time to soften properly
  • Do not overfold the whipped cream or your layers might collapse slightly
03 -
  • Use a glass dish so you can see the pretty layers from the side
  • Pat the strawberries dry if they seem especially wet before tossing with sugar

Go Back