Strawberry Basil Icebox Cake

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-23 · Updated 2026-05-23

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Refreshing no-bake layered dessert combining fresh strawberries, sweet basil, and whipped cream between crisp graham crackers, chilled to perfection. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, layers fresh strawberries, sliced, fresh basil leaves, chopped, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Serves 6 American cuisine 290 cal/serving

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Ingredients

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 whole sheets graham crackers

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Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir gently and let macerate for 15 minutes until berries release juice.
Step 2: In a large chilled bowl, whip 2 cups heavy whipping cream with 3 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes.
Step 3: Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of an 8x8-inch dish.
Step 4: Arrange 4 graham cracker sheets over the whipped cream to cover the bottom.
Step 5: Spoon one-third of the macerated strawberries evenly over the crackers, followed by one-third of the whipped cream spread evenly on top.
Step 6: Repeat layering with 4 more graham crackers, one-third of strawberries, and one-third of whipped cream.
Step 7: Finish with the last 4 graham crackers and remaining whipped cream, smoothing the top.
Step 8: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften and flavors to meld.
Step 9: Serve chilled, garnished with extra basil leaves or strawberry slices if desired.