Hands down, this was my nana's secret weapon! She got so many compliments!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert that's perfect for those warm summer days when you want something sweet but don't want to turn on the oven. This recipe has been a favorite in our family for years, and it's a hit at potlucks and family gatherings. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy layers, and graham crackers that soften into a cake-like texture is simply irresistible. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh strawberries that are in season, and it's so easy to make that even the kids can help out.

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake pairs beautifully with a light and fresh salad, perhaps a spinach and strawberry salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. For a more indulgent meal, you could serve it after a barbecue with grilled chicken or burgers. A glass of iced tea or lemonade would complement the dessert perfectly, making it a refreshing end to any meal.

Servings: 12

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 box graham crackers

1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.

4. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the cream mixture on the bottom.

5. Place a layer of graham crackers over the cream, breaking them as necessary to fit.

6. Spread a third of the remaining cream mixture over the graham crackers, then top with a layer of sliced strawberries.

7. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a layer of strawberries on top.

8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the graham crackers to soften.

9. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

For a chocolate twist, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving. If you have picky eaters who aren't fans of strawberries, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping instead of heavy cream. To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, on top before serving.