Looking for a cold summer dessert that’s no-bake and super easy?
These Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Bars are made with just 3 ingredients and come together in 5 minutes—no oven, no mixer, no sweat.
They’re the ultimate make-ahead dessert for hot days, backyard BBQs, or when your sweet tooth can’t wait.
🍓 Born from a Meltdown (Literally)
There I was—sweating over a cheesecake I stupidly thought I could bake in July. The oven heated my whole apartment like a toaster.
That’s when I swore off baking until September and whipped together a no-cook version using cream cheese, strawberry jam, and graham crackers.
The result? These glorious cold bars that taste like summer vacation in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves (chunky = better!)
- 12 full graham crackers (1 sleeve), plus extra for topping
- Optional: whipped cream, fresh strawberries, lemon zest for garnish
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Cream Cheese and Jam
In a medium bowl, stir softened cream cheese and jam until smooth and pink. Use a fork or silicone spatula—no need for a mixer.
> Affiliate Tip: This mini silicone spatula set is perfect for scraping every last bit out of the jar.
Step 2: Layer with Graham Crackers
Line a small 8×8 pan with parchment. Lay down a layer of graham crackers (break to fit). Spread half the cream cheese mixture, add another cracker layer, then the rest of the mixture.
Step 3: Garnish and Freeze
Crumble a few graham crackers on top for crunch. Add fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 4: Freeze or Chill
For bars: Freeze for 1–2 hours, then slice.For spoonable dessert: Chill for 4+ hours and serve cold with a spoon.
❄️ Why These Bars Work
- No cooking, no oven, no stress
- 3 simple ingredients you already have
- Freezer-friendly—make it now, enjoy it later
- Looks fancy, tastes nostalgic
🍓 5-Minute Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Bars (No Oven, No Fuss!)
Course: 30-Minute Meals, Baking u0026amp; Desserts, Budget-Friendly Recipes, Healthy u0026amp; Light, International Flavors, Kid-Friendly, Meal Prep u0026amp; Freezer-Friendly, Starters u0026amp; Snacks4
servings30
minutesIngredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves
– 12 graham crackers
– Optional toppings: whipped cream, lemon zest, fresh strawberries
Directions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and strawberry jam until smooth.
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment. Layer graham crackers, half the filling, more crackers, then the remaining filling.
- Crumble extra graham crackers on top.
- Freeze for 2 hours to set, or chill in the fridge for 4+ hours. Slice and serve cold
Notes
- Try other jams like raspberry, blueberry, or peach. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
🙋♀️ Reader FAQs
- Q: Can I use whipped cream cheese?
- Yes, but regular block cream cheese will give a firmer, sliceable texture.
- Q: Can I use a different jam flavor?
- Absolutely! Raspberry, blueberry, and peach all work beautifully
- .Q: How long can I store these?
- Keep them in the freezer up to 1 month. Just thaw slightly before serving.
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🛍️ Affiliate links
🍓 Pro Tip:Get every last drop of jam out of the jar with this mini silicone spatula set. No waste, no mess—and it’s dishwasher safe.
> Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting 30-Minute Bites.com
📌 CTA
🥄 Dessert without the drama? Yes, please.
Save this recipe, pin it, or tag @30MinuteBites on facebook with your cold creation—we want to see how you chill.
💬 Reader Comments
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily T. says:“I made these last night and my kids devoured them before I even got a picture. SO easy and seriously delicious—definitely saving this one!”
—> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brianna C. says:“Three ingredients?? I didn’t believe it until I tried. Creamy, fruity, and perfect for this heat wave. This might be my new go-to summer dessert.”
—> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mark L. says:“I added crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top and it gave the bars a little crunch. Highly recommend! Even my cheesecake-hating brother had seconds.”
—> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Joy P. says:“I brought these to a cookout and everyone asked for the recipe. No one believed it was no-bake! Thanks for the genius idea.”
✍️ What Do You Think?
Tried this recipe? Made it your own with a twist?We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let us know how your bars turned out—or what jam flavor you used.
👇Your feedback helps us whip up other exciting recipes just like this one.