This No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake is your perfect summer solution! Skip the oven and dive into layers of juicy strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and crispy graham crackers. It’s a fast, 15-minute dessert that tastes like a bakery classic; but with none of the fuss.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or need a quick last-minute dessert, this No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll enjoy all the nostalgic flavors of a traditional shortcake; minus the baking. Trust us, this No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake will become your go-to for warm days and effortless entertaining.
Don't settle for store-bought. This No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake is the real deal—fresh, light, and made in minutes.
Why This No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Stands Out
Why heat up the kitchen when this No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake offers all the flavor without the fuss? Unlike traditional recipes that call for baking biscuits or cake, this easy version is refreshingly simple—and endlessly flexible.
Serve it in mason jars for parties, layer it in a trifle dish for gatherings, or whip up a quick portion when a sweet craving hits. The beauty of this No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake is that it's beginner-friendly yet irresistibly delicious.
Busy parents, students, and anyone short on time love how quickly it comes together. With sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy graham crackers, every bite offers a perfect mix of texture and taste.
Bonus: this No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake pairs like a dream with iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite coffee. Simple, satisfying, and oven-free—what more could you ask for?
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Ingredients
For the Strawberry Layer:
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
For the Cream Layer:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cream cheese, softened (optional)
For the Base:
- Graham crackers
- Melted butter
- Sugar
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry and Graham Cracker Base (8 minutes)
- Slice strawberries and mix with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla
- Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs
- Mix crumbs with melted butter and sugar
Make the Whipped Cream (4 minutes)
- Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl
- Whip until stiff peaks form
- If using cream cheese, fold in after beating until smooth
Assembly Time (3 minutes)
- Layer graham cracker crumbs in serving glasses
- Add whipped cream layer
- Add strawberry layer with juices
- Repeat layers and top with strawberries
- Base Prep: Slice strawberries and mix with sugar; crush graham crackers and mix with butter
- Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form
- Assembly: Layer graham base, cream, and strawberries in jars or glasses
Equipment For No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake
Mixing Bowls: You'll need at least two medium bowls - one for macerating strawberries and one for whipping cream.
Electric Mixer: While you can whip cream by hand, an electric mixer makes the job much easier and faster. A stand mixer works best, but a hand mixer is perfectly fine.
Food Processor or Rolling Pin: For crushing graham crackers. A food processor gives the most consistent results, but a rolling pin and sealed bag work in a pinch.
Serving Containers: Mason jars create beautiful individual servings, but you can use wine glasses, parfait glasses, or even a large trifle bowl for family-style serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake
Timing is Everything: Assemble your no bake summer strawberry dessert just before serving for the best texture. If you need to make it ahead, keep the components separate and assemble within 2 hours of serving.
Juice Management: Don't drain all the juice from your macerated strawberries. That sweet syrup adds incredible flavor and helps soften the graham cracker layers naturally.
Cream Stability: For the most stable whipped cream that won't deflate, make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and cold. Even a tiny bit of fat can prevent proper whipping.
Layer Strategy: Press your graham cracker layer gently but firmly to create a solid base that won't fall apart when you dig in.
Recipe Variations
For Different Dietary Needs:
Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free vanilla wafers. You can also use crushed meringue cookies for an extra-light texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream (the thick part from a chilled can of coconut milk) whipped with powdered sugar instead of heavy cream. Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives work well too.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in both the strawberry mixture and whipped cream by half, or use sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Creative Variations
Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or crush chocolate graham crackers for the base to create a strawberry shortcake cheesecake recipe variation.
Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with your strawberries for a mixed berry version.
Adult Version: Add a tablespoon of rum or amaretto to your whipped cream for a grown-up twist.
Breakfast Style: Use crushed granola instead of graham crackers and serve in bowls for a dessert-for-breakfast treat.
Storage
Refrigerator Storage:
Your assembled no bake strawberry shortcake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed within 24 hours. The graham crackers will soften over time, which some people actually prefer as it creates more of a cake-like texture.
Component Prep:
You can prepare each component ahead of time and store them separately. Macerated strawberries keep for up to 3 days, whipped cream stays fresh for 2 days, and graham cracker crumbs can be made a week in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Freezing Instructions:
While this dessert doesn't freeze well when assembled, you can freeze the macerated strawberries for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using.
My Grandmother’s Secret Touch
There’s something magical about the way my grandmother used to make dessert; simple ingredients, but always unforgettable. Her secret touch with No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake? Letting it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. That short chill time allows the strawberries to soak into the layers, the cream to set just right, and the graham crackers to soften ever so slightly; creating a tender, spoonable bite with just the right crunch. It’s a small step, but it transforms a good dessert into a heartwarming, homemade memory.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for strawberry shortcake?
For no-bake strawberry shortcake, you need fresh strawberries, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, graham crackers, butter, and granulated sugar. Optional cream cheese adds richness. This recipe requires no baking - just layer crushed graham crackers, homemade whipped cream, and sweetened strawberries for the perfect summer dessert.
What is the difference between strawberry shortcake and strawberry cake?
Strawberry shortcake uses biscuits or graham crackers as the base with layers of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Strawberry cake is a baked sponge cake with strawberry flavoring throughout. No-bake strawberry shortcake skips baking entirely, using crushed cookies for texture. Traditional shortcake emphasizes fresh fruit layers, while strawberry cake focuses on cake flavor.
What are the top 10 summer desserts no bake?
Top no-bake summer desserts include: 1) No-bake strawberry shortcake 2) Icebox cake 3) Chocolate peanut butter bars 4) Lemon posset 5) Berry parfait 6) No-bake cheesecake 7) Frozen yogurt bark 8) Fruit trifle 9) Rice crispy treats 10) No-bake cookies. These easy summer desserts require no oven, perfect for hot weather entertaining.
What are the strawberry shortcake crunchies made of?
Strawberry shortcake crunchies are typically made from crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter and sugar. Some recipes use vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra flavor. In no-bake strawberry shortcake, these crunchy layers provide texture contrast against creamy whipped cream and juicy strawberries, creating the perfect bite every time.
The Sweetest Shortcut to Happiness
This strawberry shortcake recipe easy no bake is more than a dessert—it’s a delicious little escape. With just 15 minutes and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a creamy, fruity, crunchy treat that feels like summer in every bite.
Once you taste this No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake, it’ll become your go-to for stress-free entertaining and last-minute dessert cravings.
Craving more easy indulgence? Don’t miss the dreamy Easy & Moist Matcha Cake Recipe, or treat yourself to the rich and decadent Gooey Chocolate Poke Cake with Condensed Milk—both made to satisfy with minimal effort.
If you give it a try, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your photos. Your No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake might just steal the show!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake
No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake
Equipment
- 2 Mixing bowls One for strawberries, one for whipped cream
- 1 Electric mixer Hand or stand mixer
- 1 Food Processor/Rolling Pin For crushing graham crackers
- 6 Mason Jars/Glasses For individual servings
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries Hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract For strawberry layer
Cream Layer
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract For cream layer
- 2 oz Cream cheese Optional, softened
Base
- 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoon Melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar For graham base
Instructions
- Slice berries, mix with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit 10 min.
- Crush graham crackers, mix with butter and sugar.
- Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Fold in cream cheese if using.
- Layer graham, cream, and berries in jars. Repeat.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
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